More than 60 people attended the launch of the Traveller Health Action Plan at Donegal Travellers Project premises yesterday.
This was an exciting opportunity for Donegal Travellers Project’s board and staff to welcome representatives of the HSE, the Local Development Company, An Garda Síochana, community and voluntary organisations and many others to celebrate this launch with the Traveller community.
Ann Friel, the Primary Health Care Coordinator, recognised the history of the Primary Health Care Project over the last 25 years and all of the staff who have worked as part of the team throughout this time.
She drew particular attention to the contribution of Chrissie McGinley, a founding member of Donegal Travellers Project and founder of the Primary Health Care Project for Donegal.
She acknowledged many others who have also contributed in the struggle for health equality for the community in Donegal.
Patricia Garland, Social Inclusion manager in the HSE, spoke about the importance of this plan and the strength of the partnership between Donegal Travellers Project and the HSE’s Social Inclusion office.
Sean O’Connor, Traveller Health Lead in the HSE, drew attention to the achievements and acknowledgement of Donegal Travellers Project nationally and the lead role that Primary Health Care Coordinator Ann Friel with her colleague Michael Mongan played at the national Primary Health Care conference in Croke Park in December.
The Traveller Health Action Plan and the implementation plan for Donegal will see the Primary Health Care Project go from strength to strength in 2025 and it is hoped that the project will provide and make a meaningful difference to the health and wellbeing of the Traveller community throughout the county.
Donegal Traveller Project’s health team currently employ 12 staff who work across the county connecting and delivering health supports on a broad range of health issues to Traveller families, individuals, children and young people and older people.
Ann Friel in her closing remarks acknowledged the commitment and achievements of the Primary Health Care team who are mostly part-time in the services they provide.
