Discuss the benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people being registered for the various programs within the CTG on their access to healthcare and their short- and long-term health outcomes.

Transgenerational trauma | Bachleor of Nursing

The Closing the Gap (CTG) program is a government-led initiative to reduce disparities in health and life expectancy between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous Australians. Being registered for the various programs within CTG provides numerous benefits for Indigenous communities, particularly in terms of access to healthcare. Access to quality healthcare services can help improve the overall physical and mental wellbeing of individuals, including: early detection and management of chronic diseases; improved nutrition; better mental health support; reduced infant mortality; improved maternal care; social connection with other Indigenous peoples; increased access to education and employment opportunities.

In addition, research has shown that registering for these programs also helps lead to short-term health outcomes such as fewer hospitalizations and lower mortality rates among registered individuals compared to non-registered ones. Furthermore, it contributes towards long-term health outcomes like decreased risk factors associated with lifestyle diseases—such as diabetes, heart disease or obesity—and improved overall quality of life. This includes better housing conditions through home ownership or rental assistance plans offered through the program.

Overall, by providing increased access to healthcare services along with other tangible benefits such as housing assistance, CTG is helping close existing gaps in health outcomes between Indigenous communities and non-Indigenous Australians.