Community health services

Community health centers, also called community health services (CHSs), aim to provide a broad range of services and health promotion activities to local communities. They place particular focus on people who have, or are at risk of, the poorest health and who have the greatest economic and social needs.

Community health services sit alongside general practice, privately funded services, and other health and support services, and together these make up much of the primary health care sector. Publicly funded primary health care of this kind commonly includes dental, allied health, counseling, nursing services and health promotion.

How services are shaped#

The services available at any center depend on the needs of the individuals, families and communities in the local area. This flexibility allows each center to develop models of care that suit its community, while some programs are designed to reach particularly vulnerable groups.

Community health services focus on health promotion and on the prevention and management of disease. This improves the health and wellbeing of local residents and also helps take pressure off the acute care system.

Aims of community health services#

Community health services aim to improve the health and wellbeing of local residents by:

• working together with other primary health care providers, such as family doctors, to provide coordinated care
• encouraging people to take an active part in their own health care
• encouraging individuals and community groups to take part in a center’s activities, including service planning, fundraising and volunteer work
• liaising with other health agencies and service providers to fill gaps in services
• promoting the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases and conditions
• developing programs and activities that improve the social and physical environment in the community

Services that may be offered#

The services offered vary between centers, depending on the needs of the local area. Primary health services may include:

• allied health, including audiology and dietetics
• exercise physiology, physiotherapy and podiatry
• occupational therapy
• speech therapy

Other services and supports may include:

• counseling and support services
• health promotion activities
• medical and nursing services
• dental health
• aged care services
• alcohol and drug programs
• carer respite
• maternal and child health services
• mental health programs
• disability services
• outreach services
• problem gambling programs
• rehabilitation programs
• support for self-help groups

Cost and access#

Community health services aim to offer affordable care, particularly for people on low incomes. Services are generally available to all local residents regardless of income, although fees may apply. Where fees are charged, they are often based on the client’s ability to pay and can be negotiated or waived if payment is difficult.

To find out more, contact your local community health service directly, or ask your doctor how a local service could help you maintain or improve your health and wellbeing.

Where to get help#