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Issue Addressed: To describe the characteristics of tobacco control programs (TCPs) delivered by Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs) in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Methods: A key informant from each ACCHS in NSW completed a 30‐item online survey. For each TCP, ACCHSs were asked to provide: the target population group, program aims and activities, funding source, and whether the program had been monitored or evaluated and reflected principles of community control and engagement. Results: Twenty‐five of 38 eligible ACCHSs completed the survey (66% response rate). Overall, 64% of services reported currently delivering at least one TCP, almost all of which aimed to promote quitting (95%). Programs involved brief intervention for tobacco cessation (71%), referral to quit services (67%), or use of printed resources (67%). Funding sources included Local Health Districts (52% of programs), the Commonwealth Government (48%) and NSW Ministry of Health (43%). Most programs were aimed at all Aboriginal people who smoke (76%); 19% targeted women or families during pregnancy/birth. Many TCPs used culturally tailored resources (86%) and employed Aboriginal staff (86%), and 48% had been evaluated. Conclusions: A third of participating ACCHS did not have a specific TCP to address smoking among Aboriginal people, and delivery of programs was characterised by an uncoordinated approach across the state. Aboriginal staff and culturally tailored messages were a focus of existing TCP programs. So What?: Findings highlight the need for more investment in TCPs for Aboriginal people to ensure all ACCHSs can deliver evidence‐based programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Issue addressed: Health care providers play a pivotal role in preventing and reducing the burden associated with the misuse of alcohol, yet one group whose role in the alcohol offensive has not yet been systematically explored is ambulance officers. This study attempted to firstly, measure the prevalence and type of alcohol-related incidents attended by ambulance officers, and secondly, identify both current practice and perceived role in reducing alcohol-related harms. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive survey of 264 NSW Ambulance Officers was conducted in June and July 2006. Results: Results indicated that alcohol plays a significant role in the work of ambulance officers with estimates of 20% of all call-outs involving alcohol. Though the majority of officers indicated that they usually or always asked patients whether they have been drinking, far fewer asked about quantity and frequency of alcohol use and only small proportions undertook formal screenings, offered brief advice or referred patients to an appropriate drug and alcohol service. Conclusion: Officers indicated that they are willing to undertake a number of other actions as part of alcohol-harm reduction efforts, suggesting that many ambulance officers consider health promotion to be integral to the role of an ambulance officer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]