Each of our programmes is based on an adaptive and effective four-pillar model built around sensitivity and responsiveness to the community’s needs.
The Four Pillars of HoHA:
Training
At HoHA we develop training programmes based on individuality and concern for social need by working with our communities at a grassroots level. We believe that through appropriate training and support, communities can be the drivers of their own integrative health care management.
We have been using the Sustainable, Training, Treatment, Employment Programme model since 1995 when our volunteers recognised the importance of providing sustainable health care delivered by hands-on therapies to address the musculoskeletal conditions affecting marginalised communities[1].
STTEP principles:
1. Musculoskeletal health training within the community
2. Ongoing treatment within the community
3. Creation of employment opportunities
4. An ethos of ongoing community service in marginalised communities
[1] Vindigni, D, Polus, B, Edgecombe, G,. Howard, M., van Rotterdam, J., Redpath, F., Ellen, E., 2009, The STTEP: A model for Musculoskeletal Health Care in marginalized Communities, The Jounral of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Vol 15, No 8, pp 885-890
Education
Working in partnership with some of Australia’s principal colleges and institutions, HoHA provides unique and meaningful student placements both nationally and internationally in our clinics and with our partner organisations. With a focus on ensuring today’s students have the best possible social, cultural and clinical exposure our programmes provide the foundations for successful, compassionate and leading practitioners of the future.
Nationally, our community clinics host approximately 100 students of Chiropractic, Myotherapy, Naturopathy, and Osteopathy per year. Unlike a traditional student clinic, these students work with patients from marginalised and disadvantaged communities, similar to a public health care setting.
Further, our Global Community Health Exchange Programme (GCHEP) involves students visiting our partner organisations and international programmes. Here, whilst under supervision by qualified practitioners, they can observe and learn about international health concerns as well as the implications of social, environment, and geographical circumstances on health outcomes. This international exposure and experience can place new graduates a step ahead of their colleagues whilst reinforcing the spirit of community and social responsibility inherent in all HoHA programmes.
Research
Since our beginning, HoHA have conducted several research projects nationally and abroad. Whilst our focus continues to be on the use of Allied and Complementary Medicine within the community setting, our future prospects look forward to using this research for positive change at the policy level.
Treatment
Our network of volunteer practitioners is dedicated to the provision of high quality services for the marginalized and disadvantaged within our communities. With 10 operational clinics across Australia, we provide approximately 30,000 treatments a year, saving the government an annual amount around 3 million dollars worth of service to the community and having a significant impact on the economy.
The impact that our clinics have on our client’s lives is extraordinary and can have direct benefits on combatting chronic pain and illness. Frequent visits to a HoHA practitioner can improve a client’s quality of life significantly and allow them to be more productive members of their own communities.
