Overview
The Derby Aboriginal Health Service clinic is open five days per week, plus one evening clinic. Monthly visits are made to the frail aged hostel. Yearly programs are offered for flu vaccinations, and trachoma and retinal screening is also provided.

Allied health programs include women's and child health, sexual health, social and emotional well being, health education, diabetes, antenatal, renal and youth advocacy and support.

Regular doctor's clinics are provided to Pandanus Park and Jarlmadangah Buru communities and the partnership with RFDS and Jurrugk Aboriginal Health Service (JAHS) enables DAHS to service communities along the Gibb River Road.

DAHS also works collaboratively with the Kimberley Aboriginal Health Service Council (KAMSC) School of Health Studies to recruit suitable students to undertake studies in Aboriginal primary health care work which leads to employment as an Aboriginal Health Worker. DAHS has two representatives that sit on the KAMS Council and is an affiliate of both the West Australian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (WAACHO) and National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO).

As an Aboriginal community-controlled organisation, the DAHS is committed to core principles including Aboriginal self-determination, access, equity, empowerment and reconciliation.

History
In 1994/5 Winun Ngari Aboriginal Corporation decided to form a Health Working Party and seek funding to carry out consultations for the development of an Aboriginal community-controlled health service in Derby.

In early 1995 Winun Ngari received funding from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Commission (ATSIC) to carry out a comprehensive health planning exercise for Aboriginal people and communities in the Jayida Buru region. This region includes Aboriginal communities in and around Derby town, south of Derby along the Fitzroy Valley, north east of Derby along the Gibb River Road and Outstations north along the coast and up into the Mitchell Plateau.

In April 1997 the Winun Ngari Aboriginal Corporation Committee agreed to establish a Derby Aboriginal Medical Service (DAMS) Committee. This committee, with the support of the Winun Ngari Committee and Administration, began its struggle to achieve a dream of establishing a culturally appropriate health service to improve the health conditions amongst our people, and so began the setting up of the Derby Aboriginal Health Service Council.

Funding from the Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health (OATSIH) was received in early 1997. On September 17, the first committee of the Derby Aboriginal Health Service Council was elected: Chairperson - Maitland 'Chips' Councillor, Vice Chairperson - David Walley (deceased), Secretary - Maxine Armstrong, Treasurer - Raymond Shadforth (deceased), Public Officer - Lorna Howie (also first Coordinator / Administrator), Committee Members - Harry Lennard, Graham Ejai, Eric Benning, Doug D'Antoine, Jenny Delvin, Geraldine Shadforth, Jock Nowanji and Victor Hunter. The Health Strategy was officially handed over from Winun Ngari Aboriginal Corporation to the Derby Aboriginal Health Service.

The goal of establishing a Health Service was realised when the Derby Aboriginal Health Service opened its doors to the public in December 1998, with an official opening ceremony on December 10, 1998.

Mission Statement
"To deliver holistic primary health care services which are based on Aboriginal needs and cultural values."