QEII Foundation’s new first-of-its-kind fund will help deliver more equitable health care

Emera has committed $1 million for the Health Equity Fund with the QEII in Halifax.

The QEII Foundation in Halifax has launched a new first-of-its-kind to Canada fund that will help teams work on intentional solutions to deliver more equitable health care.

The fund was possible thanks to a $1 million donation from Emera.

The Health Equity Fund will provide grants to health-care leaders and researchers whose work is advancing health equity for populations across Nova Scotia.

Emera’s gift will guarantee $200,000 in funding each year for the next five years.

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“The launch of Canada’s first Health Equity Fund has the potential to deliver innovative new solutions and create a healthier and more equitable future for Nova Scotians. As an international company proudly headquartered in the province, we believe in supporting the communities where our employees live and work,” said Karen Hutt, executive vice president, business development and strategy with Emera Inc.

“Partnering with the QEII Foundation is reflective of our own journey towards creating an inclusive and equitable culture.”

Health equity will be achieved when everyone – regardless of race, gender, language or ability – can reach their full potential for health and wellbeing.

One board member for the fund knows personally just how badly this project is needed.

“When I asked my doctor for an HIV test and he just kind of scoffed at it and said, ‘You don’t need that.’ He made all kinds of assumptions about me based on my gender, my age, my ethnicity, my class maybe,” said San Patten, board member of the QEII Foundation’s Health Equity Fund.

“So, the pursuit of health equity is not just an academic research exercise. It’s also a moral imperative and it improves the effectiveness and efficiency of our health-care investments.”

Expressions of interest for grants are now bring accepted at the QEII Foundation’s Health Equity Fund for projects under two award categories, which are:

• the research stream
• the innovation stream

The research stream is for projects that will help advance knowledge and understanding of health equity, including initiatives focused on research, data collection, and analysis to equitable health-care access and outcomes.

The innovation stream is for projects involving creative and practical solutions aimed at improving health equity. Such projects involve implementing or developing programs, tools, technologies, or approaches that directly address disparities and promote inclusive health-care practices.

“We are extremely grateful to Emera for partnering with us to establish the QEII Foundation’s Health Equity Fund with their $1-million donation. Their investment will empower change, remove barriers, and fund solutions that ensure all Nova Scotians receive care grounded in inclusive practices,” said Susan Mullin, president and CEO of the QEII Foundation.

“We have a vision that someday, health equity will just be standard of care. Until that day arrives, the QEII Foundation and Emera are committed to this work.”

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