Heart Foundation partners with Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service

Media release: Tuesday 4 February 2025

A new partnership to bolster heart health prevention and recovery for First Nations people

The Heart Foundation and Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service (DYHS) are proud to announce a partnership aimed at improving the heart health of local First Nations people.

The partnership will reintroduce the Derbarl Yerrigan Heart Health Program in Western Australia, focusing on cardiovascular disease prevention, rehabilitation, and continuity of care for Aboriginal people accessing DYHS services.

In Western Australia, heart disease remains a leading cause of illness and death among First Nations, who experience cardiovascular disease at significantly higher rates than non-Indigenous Australians. This means a culturally appropriate program is necessary to support First Nations people prevent and/or manage their experiences with heart disease.

Heart Foundation Western Australian General Manager, Dr Helena Viola, said DYHS would deliver the program with financial support from the Heart Foundation.

“It’s not right that Western Australia’s First Nations people experience heart disease at higher rates and earlier ages than non-Indigenous Western Australians,” Dr Viola said.

Heart Foundation CEO David Lloyd said the Derbarl Yerrigan Heart Health Program would help address the need for community-led heart health programs in the state.

“The heart health situation for Western Australia’s First Nations people highlights the strong need for a self-determined and culturally appropriate cardiovascular rehabilitation program,” he said.

“Such a program will support First Nations communities to prevent and manage heart disease in a culturally appropriate, community-led way.”

Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service Acting CEO, Dr Daniel Hunt, welcomed the partnership, highlighting its importance in delivering culturally appropriate care.

“The return of the Derbarl Yerrigan Heart Health Program will ensure our community and others receive the support they need to prevent and manage heart disease, delivered in a way that is respectful and empowering.”

The Heart Foundation and DYHS will work closely with community members, health professionals, and policymakers to ensure the program’s success and long-term impact.