Women’s health in Calgary gets multi-year boost thanks to $10M investment through Calgary Health Foundation
May 03 2024 - 12:00PM
Calgary Health Foundation announces a $10M investment over two
years from the Government of Alberta in support of women’s
health initiatives. This commitment will impact healthcare for
women throughout southern Alberta. The one-time investment
represents a tangible first step toward removing gender disparity
in healthcare practice, policy, research, and care.
“The Premier gave me a clear mandate to improve the health
outcomes of women and children in Alberta. Our goal is to continue
leading the way in women and children's health programs and
research. These investments will make a real difference in tackling
health issues that impact women, promoting overall well-being, and
ensuring every Albertan can thrive, no matter their age or stage in
life.” Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health.
Women’s health is one of Calgary Health Foundation's
organizational priorities, currently supporting initiatives like an
innovative breast cancer project impacting the patient experience;
state of the art gynecological equipment, and programs for the
pelvic floor clinic in Calgary—all of which will significantly
impact women’s health. Calgary Health Foundation is committed to
further funding female-related clinical care, research, and
education.
"This investment will enable us to give the necessary attention,
funding, and advocacy to the unique health challenges of women.
Through partnerships like the one with Dr. Erin Brennand and the
Calgary Pelvic Floor Clinic, the funding will allow us to confront
the gaps in the diagnosis, treatment, and care of women's health
concerns. We are grateful to the Government of Alberta for its
support." Murray Sigler, President & CEO, Calgary Health
Foundation.
A reduction in waitlist times, the building of additional
examination and treatment spaces, the expansion of existing
initiatives, and the creation of new innovative programs focused on
priorities identified by women are all possible thanks to the new
investment.
“This is an important and meaningful investment that will result
in positive outcomes for many women and families in southern
Alberta. As partners in healthcare delivery, the Government of
Alberta and Calgary Health Foundation recognize the need to expand
access and enhance care in this critical area, and for that, we are
very thankful.” Athana Mentzelopoulos, AHS President and CEO.
The unmet need in women’s health is a silent epidemic affecting
half of our population. Reproductive health, pelvic floor health,
mental health, autoimmune disorders, chronic conditions, and
diseases like cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis
disproportionally impact women.
“My hope is that this injection of funds can help us offer
resources like a rapid access clinic—where those with acute illness
can receive fast-tracked medical assessments, screenings, and
treatment by a multidisciplinary team—and plan for the
establishment of a Women's Health Innovation and Research Hub space
in Calgary.” Dr. Erin Brennand, Urogynecologist and Department
Head, Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Calgary &
Alberta Health Services, Calgary Zone.
Historically, medical research has assumed that women’s and
men’s bodies are alike enough not to warrant women-specific
studies. The result has been a considerable gap in the
understanding of a woman’s physiology, specific disease risks and
indications, and prevention, screening, and treatment needs.
Women's health issues receive shockingly less funding and
attention compared to men’s health. A 2021 Alberta Women’s Health
Foundation (AWHF) report showed that only 3.4 percent of total
research funding in the province goes toward female-specific health
concerns. This is despite women making up 51 percent of the
provincial population.
Alberta tracks lower than the national average of eight percent
of medical research funding going to women’s health, a statistic
the $10M investment hopes to tip in women’s favour.
The $10M investment to Calgary Health Foundation, combined with
donor support, will launch women’s health outcomes in a positive
direction.
Calgary Health Foundation is a community-based
charity that raises funds to advance healthcare in our city. We
find opportunities to invest in excellence across the entire
healthcare system, all to enhance outcomes and improve lives.
calgaryhealthfoundation.ca
James McCurdy
Vice President, Marketing & Communications | Calgary Health Foundation
403.990.7943
james.mccurdy@calgaryhealthfoundation.ca