The Government of Alberta has announced new funding to improve access to culturally appropriate primary care in Indigenous communities.
The province announced Friday that it would be investing $27.1 million in two grants aimed at removing barriers faced by First Nations, Métis and Inuit people in accessing primary health care that aligns with cultural needs.
Over the next two years, the Indigenous Primary Health Care Innovation Fund will receive $20 million in investments from the province.
The funds will go towards support programs and services that will help improve community capacity and health equity while honouring and respecting Indigenous expertise, knowledge, and traditional healing.
In addition, the funds will also be used to research primary care models, projects, and programs to support health and disease prevention.
The second grant will go to the Indigenous Patient Navigator Program, which will be receiving $7.1 million over three years from the Government of Alberta.
The program will look at immediate challenges facing Indigenous patients, communities and organizations by providing financial support to First Nation, Métis and Inuit partners, and Indigenous-serving organizations, according to the province.
It will also aim to help reduce barriers of accessing primary care services.
Alberta’s government is working together with Indigenous partners to provide improved access to health care. Two successful applicants will receive the Innovation Fund, and through the Patient Navigator Program, 18 organizations will receive up to $450,000 each in funding over three years.
“There is a significant amount of work we must do to rebuild trust with Indigenous Peoples – they face many challenges in accessing care, which has a profound impact on their health outcomes. Improving access to primary care is an important step for optimizing health. We are proud to provide funding so Indigenous communities can partner in the design and delivery of culturally safe care and improve the health of individuals, families and communities,” said Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health
“With support from Alberta Health, Ihkapaskwa Collective will decrease barriers for Indigenous families accessing perinatal services and expand their cultural knowledge through Aunties within Reach (AWR) – a culturally and evidence-based program that employs a multi-service model and a wraparound approach to care,” said Sheena Bradley, the executive director of Ihkapaskwa Collective.