What started as a small trial in Gippsland has grown into a nationwide initiative – Latrobe Health Services, as the founding partner of the Shane Warne Legacy, is making heart health checks free and accessible to all Australians.
As a regionally based not-for-profit private health insurer, Latrobe Health has always been committed to improving the health and wellbeing of its members and the broader community, particularly in rural and regional areas. But its collaboration on the Shane Warne Legacy Health Check Program has taken that mission to the next level, offering early detection and prevention in places where it matters most. These checks assess key health indicators like blood pressure, heart rate, body composition, diabetes risk and non-fasting cholesterol levels, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their wellbeing.
The journey so far.
The journey began with the Gippsland Healthy Hearts Study in 2022, where an initial trial of 500 health checks uncovered a startling statistic – 85.8% of participants had one or more cardiovascular disease risk factors. That wake-up call led Latrobe Health to expand its efforts, delivering over 2,500 additional health checks in regional and rural areas, making vital heart health screenings available to thousands more.
In November 2023, Latrobe Health partnered with the Shane Warne Legacy, joining forces to scale up the initiative and provide free Shane Warne Legacy Health Checks on SiSU Health stations at major events, workplaces, pharmacies and community activations. From the iconic Boxing Day Test to AFL Gather Round, the program has reached Australians where they live, work and play – offering crucial heart health screenings in familiar, accessible spaces.
In August 2024, Latrobe Health, Shane Warne Legacy and SiSU Health announced their partnership expansion for another two years, as part of Latrobe Health’s annual community investment of $5 million. The goal is to deliver an additional 400,000 health checks across Australia.
A bold commitment to saving lives.
Latrobe Health’s dedication to community health goes beyond numbers, and the health check program has already led to life-saving interventions. In fact, recent research found that 26% of participants believe their health check potentially saved their life. These checks aren’t just about awareness – they’re about action, acting as a first step to a healthier future.
By providing free, accessible health checks, Latrobe Health Services is ensuring that early intervention and prevention is within the reach of all Australians. Every check is an opportunity to save a life, empower individuals, and foster an inclusive culture of health awareness.
