BHP Donates $5.5 Million to Rural Health
BHP has made its largest-ever Telethon donation to support better healthcare in remote Western Australia.
The mining company is donating $5.5 million to the Upstream health project in the East Pilbara.
Supporting Aboriginal-Led Healthcare
The Upstream health project is run by Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service (PAMS). It provides vital maternal and child health care.
The program brings permanent, culturally safe services to communities that need them most.
Martu woman Jennifer Landi, a single mother of five, says the program has changed her life.
“Raising a child on your own is already difficult, but caring for multiple children is incredibly overwhelming,” Landi said.
“I’ve been doing this on my own, and without PAMS clinical services and the Upstream program, I don’t know where we would be or if we would have made it this far.
“Thanks to what we’ve learned, we can now raise awareness among other women on how to improve their health and that of their children.”
Health Services Where They’re Needed Most
The Upstream project offers a range of services, including:
- Maternal health support
- Specialist referrals
- Telehealth services
- Child and family support
- Help with appointments locally and in Perth
These services help families stay healthy and connected to care.
Rare Disease Support on the Way
BHP’s donation will also help launch a new Rare Care Centre Pilbara Hub.
The hub will support early detection and treatment of rare diseases in local communities.
It will also help Julyardi Aboriginal Corporation grow its family-focused health services.
A Longstanding Partnership with Telethon
BHP has worked with Telethon for 11 years. Over that time, the company has donated $45.5 million to WA health programs.
This new investment shows BHP’s ongoing support for better, fairer healthcare in remote areas.