OVAHS is a Community Controlled Aboriginal health service which operates out of Kununurra.
The fledgling service ran out of a fibro cottage in the town and employed 4 Aboriginal health workers, a nurse and later a doctor. BRAMS provided a support role for the EKAMS governing committee during this early period of establishment. East Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Service changed its name to Ord Valley Aboriginal Health Service (OVAHS) in 2001.
Today, OVAHS provides a comprehensive primary health care service to Aboriginal people in the East Kimberley region. Preventative and public health programs include maternal and child health, women's health, chronic disease, sexual health and an 11 person Social Support Unit.
Specific health program management is integrated with curative clinic based work through the application of the Ferret computer data base. Staff include Doctors, Aboriginal Health Workers, Registered Nurses, an Audiologist, Councillors and Social Support Staff.
Outstation clinic visits by a doctor and AHW are conducted to Doon Doon, Glen Hill and Molly Springs. OVAHS also sub contracts to Katherine West to provide remote clinics into the Northern Territory, including the Keep River and Duncan Highway regions First aid kits and basic pharmaceuticals are provided to many of the outstations. OVAHS manage specialist appointment notification and transport needs to facilitate access to specialist services.
