April 20, 2006 Source: :
http://www.stfx.ca/media/04_2006.htm StFX Health Researcher Probes Inequities in Access to Health Services StFX Health Researcher Probes Inequities in Access to Health Services
Research part of 23 projects to be conducted at StFX and Dalhousie Universities ANTIGONISH, NS --- Despite a universal health care system, not all Canadians share the same health status. Part of the problem is inequities in access to health services, but there's little information about the nature and scope of these inequities. Dr. Elizabeth McGibbon of St. Francis Xavier University will address barriers in accessing health services among rural Aboriginal and Black Canadians, as a first step toward increasing their access and improving their health status. Her research will involve community members, health services administrators and providers, and policy makers. The involvement of these groups will facilitate rapid dissemination of research results. This research is one of 23 health-related research projects being funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) in Nova Scotia. Today, The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, as well as Member of Parliament for Central Nova, on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health, highlighted along with Dr. Alan Bernstein, President of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the recipients of an investment of more than $5 million to fund health research in Nova Scotia. "Promoting ground breaking health research is a crucial component of our government's plan to build a healthy, prosperous and innovative Canada," said Minister MacKay. "The funding announced today is helping to enhance the health research capabilities of our institutions across Nova Scotia, which will benefit all Canadians." Dr. McGibbon's study is the only one of its kind in Canada and the funding amount is almost $70,000. StFX researchers, including Dr. Agnes Calliste and Professor Elsa Arbuthnot, and community partners started the work in February, 2006 and will finish up in January of 2007. "It's very exciting to receive this kind of support from CIHR. Addressing health inequities is something that we feel very strongly about," said Dr. McGibbon. "CIHR-funded health researchers not only create world-class knowledge that is being put to use right now, across all sectors of society, but their work also contributes to strengthening the research and training environment for young Canadians in all regions of the country," said Dr. Bernstein. The 23 research projects funded will be conducted at St. Francis Xavier University and Dalhousie University. The studies will be carried out over periods of one to five years and cover a wide spectrum of health research. The funding highlighted today is part of a larger package recently announced by the Minister of Health.
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