Community Health First is proud to share the achievements, innovations and outcomes of the
registered, independent community health sector over the past year.
Amid ongoing reforms and growing health needs in our communities, independent registered
community health services remain vital to Victoria’s health system, serving as a critical safety net for over 670,000 Victorians.
Key Findings
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674,375 people were supported by community health in the past year.
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More Victorians than ever before are seeking trusted health and wellbeing services close to home, with client numbers 11% higher than last year.
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Community health is increasingly becoming the first point of contact for holistic, wrap-around care. 45% of clients receive two or more services from their local community health organisation.
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Community health is pivotal in maintaining health and wellbeing in our communities across Victoria, with 92% of clients reporting that community health helps them better manage their health and wellbeing.
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We're helping tackle the loneliness epidemic, with 79% of clients saying that community health helps them feel more connected and less alone.
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We're also reducing pressure on our hospitals, with programs proven to reduce hospital presentations for clients.
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Chronic disease programs are saving on health system costs with an estimated $8 to $13 saved in future health costs for every $1 spent.
Community outcomes
76% of clients say the support they get from community health makes them feel more connected and less alone
Reaching more people statewide
Community health works across Victoria to support people at every stage of life to access the right care, in the right place at the right time.
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Future investment needed
This is a defining moment to strengthen our health care system – making care more connected, more accessible, and more effective.
The Victorian Government has set a bold vision: for Victorians to be ‘the healthiest people in the world’. One where our communities are free of the avoidable burden of disease and injury, so that all Victorians can enjoy the highest attainable standards of health, wellbeing and participation at every age.
The community health sector is poised and ready to improve Victorians access to much needed, local health and wellbeing services – with scalable solutions available that can help tens of thousands more Victorians access care when and where they need it and improve health equity for rural, regional, and vulnerable communities across the state.
However, the sector continues to face a tough landscape with funding not keeping up with demand, failing infrastructure and lack of investment in maintaining and scaling programs that have demonstrated impact.
Currently, less than 0.5 per cent of Victoria’s $27 billion health budget is directed to community health – despite it being one of the most effective ways to improve outcomes and reduce pressure on hospitals.
Over the past two years, record investments have been made in acute health services and health service reform is now well underway and the foundations in place for furture investments.
Now is the time to invest in community health for a healthier future for all Victorians.