An effective T2DM care model in a rural First Nations population presented by Hannah Graham, APD
Hannah Graham, APD is one of the team leaders in the Together Strong Connected Care (TSCC) program. She gives a detailed account of the program, a culturally tailored, multidisciplinary model designed to improve outcomes for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian South Sea Islander people living with or at risk of type 2 diabetes. Hannah highlights the importance of co-design with community, flexible service delivery, and the central role of community liaison officers in providing cultural safety. The program uses home visits, group sessions, joint consultations, culturally appropriate tools such as Feltman, and technology including food diary apps and continuous glucose monitors. The outcomes have included significant reductions in HbA1c, weight, and lipid levels.
Learn about:
- Culturally safe care and co-design – engaging First Nations and Australian South Sea Islander communities in program development improves trust, participation, and outcomes.
- How community liaison officers strengthen engagement – by providing cultural and language support and continuity of care.
- How flexible, multidisciplinary approaches achieve measurable results – combining nutrition counselling, home visits, exercise programs, visual tools (e.g. Feltman), and continuous glucose monitoring led to significant reductions in HbA1c, weight, and lipid levels.
Hannah has been an accredited practicing dietitian for almost 10 years, working in both community and clinical roles in rural and regional Western Australia and Queensland. This experience has fostered a passion for co-designing services that aim to close the gap in health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Hannah currently works in a community role within Mackay Hospital and Health Service in North Queensland, focusing on improving access to Type 2 Diabetes education and care as well as prevention for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.