
Novartis Canada extends Health Equity Initiative effort, fueling innovation and impact for second year Français
MONTREAL, May 14, 2025 /CNW/ - Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. (Novartis Canada) is pleased to announce the launch of the second edition Health Equity Initiative. Aimed at promoting equitable healthcare for Canadians by addressing health disparities, Novartis Canada will award $500,000 to non-profit projects focused on improving health equity and addressing the unique healthcare challenges faced by underserved and marginalized populations.
According to the World Health Organization, health equity is achieved when everyone can attain their full potential for health and well-being. i However, despite having a universal healthcare system, Canada ranks third to last with respect to equity in healthcare access and experience among nine peer countries, highlighting persistent challenges faced by underserved communities. ii
The 2025 Health Equity Initiative aims to address Canada's existing healthcare access inequity by supporting individuals and organizations that are fully immersed in their communities, understand their unique needs, and are dedicated to advancing fair access to healthcare. By empowering these agents of change, Novartis seeks to inspire broader community engagement and action to improve healthcare outcomes.
Sustaining the momentum from the inaugural Health Equity Initiative in 2024, Novartis will be awarding additional grants to support Canadian non-profit and/or charitable organizations that are pioneering innovative solutions towards equitable healthcare.
"We are incredibly proud to continue our commitment to supporting health equity in Canada by launching the second year of this Initiative," said Mark Vineis, Country President, Novartis Canada. "All Canadians deserve equitable access to healthcare and Novartis believes in the power of supporting sustainable, grassroots projects that help advance health equity for underserved communities."
In total, more than 130 applications for funding were received in the Initiative's first year. The 2024 winners were selected through a thorough evaluation process designed in collaboration with Equity Mobilizing Partnerships in Community (EMPaCT), each exemplifying the spirit and impact of the Initiative through their innovative approaches to addressing and improving health equity:
Black Physicians of Canada: By creating a national database of Black physicians across Canada, this project is to tackling health disparities and improving access to culturally sensitive care, ensuring that Black patients receive health services that acknowledge and respect their unique needs. The development of a Black health digital hub further enhances connectivity and resource sharing among healthcare providers and patients.
Foundations for Social Change: This project addresses the health equity challenges faced by those transitioning out of homelessness and extreme poverty in Vancouver by implementing a comprehensive support system – including mental health services, healthcare navigation support and direct cash transfers – to empower individuals with the tools and resources needed to improve health outcomes.
Fort Severn First Nation: The northernmost community in Ontario, this project focuses on bridging the healthcare access gap for First Nations communities. By establishing a team of community health coordinators known as Payukotayno Meno ya win, the initiative ensures timely diagnosis and treatment, as well as access to preventative care. These efforts promote greater engagement between families and the healthcare system, fostering trust and improving overall health outcomes within the community.
"The Health Equity Initiative's 2024 winners have set a powerful precedent, showcasing the impact of a community-based focus on innovation and collaboration," says Vineis. "Novartis Canada recognizes the importance of supporting community organizations and is committed to supporting all future winners in their missions to drive meaningful action."
How to apply for funding
Canadian non-profit and/charitable organizations that are passionate about advancing health equity and committed to creating a more inclusive healthcare system are encouraged to learn more and apply for funding by visiting www.novartis.com/ca-en/esg/health-equity-initiative.
The deadline for applications is 11:59 p.m. PT on June 16, 2025
About Novartis
Novartis is a focused innovative medicines company. Every day, we work to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people's lives so that patients, healthcare professionals and societies are empowered in the face of serious disease. Our medicines reach more than 250 million people worldwide.
In Canada, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. employs approximately 600 people to serve the evolving needs of patients and the healthcare system and invests over $30 million in R&D yearly in the country. For more information visit www.novartis.ca.
SOURCE Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Winnipeg Free Press
2 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Experts call for action to prevent deaths at US police academies, citing AP investigation
A panel of experts called Wednesday for policy and cultural changes to prevent deaths linked to heat and exertion at the nation's police academies, and insisted that urgent action is needed to save the lives of recruits. The National Athletic Trainers' Association and the Public Safety Athletic Trainers Society convened the discussion in response to an Associated Press investigation that documented the deaths of at least 29 recruits over the last decade. The groups are drafting new guidance detailing best practices. AP found that most recruits died of exertion, dehydration, heatstroke and other conditions tied to intense exercise — often on the first day of training, during grueling defensive tactics drills or after high-stakes timed runs on hot days. Black recruits represented nearly 60% of those who died, a striking disparity given that federal data show Black officers make up 12% of local police forces. Many carried sickle cell trait, a condition most prevalent among Black Americans that increases the risk of serious injury following extreme exertion. Academies should begin screening applicants for the trait, a simple $75 test that has helped drastically reduce deaths among NCAA athletes, said Traci Tauferner, an athletic trainer who has worked for years with police officers. The screening would not disqualify applicants but rather give them and their instructors information they need to take precautions and monitor warning signs, she said. Academies must train instructors to recognize signs of heat stroke and sickle cell complications, create a culture where recruits can report concerns without retaliation, enforce hydration protocols, and modify training based on temperatures, she said. 'We cannot let these things slide,' said Tauferner, a member of a committee of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, which also is studying the issue. She said academies should review their exercises to ensure they reflect what officers have to perform on the job, calling a widely used 1.5-mile run 'not a really relevant standard.' Tens of thousands of police recruits who attend academies annually are uniquely vulnerable because of the stress and physical demands they face with varying levels of staff and medical oversight, said Anna August, athletic trainer for the Fairfax County Police Department in Virginia. She noted that no national standards govern academy training, which varies dramatically based on state laws and local practices. 'The task of preventing recruit injury or death sometimes slips through the cracks, and it's not because the instructors are neglectful,' she said. 'But they're overtasked a lot of times, and they don't have the preventive medical training to recognize something like an exertional heat illness.' Separately, a group that sets standards for law enforcement academies worldwide is working to develop new guidance aimed at preventing recruit deaths, its deputy director said Wednesday. The guidance will likely include standards on the type of medical personnel academies should have on scene to respond to injuries and the training instructors receive on health risks, said Brian Grisham, of the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training. The group will consider recommending new minimum fitness standards for recruits when they enter and exit the academy and guidelines for pre-academy medical screening, he said. Grisham said his organization is trying to find consensus in a working group that includes the police chiefs' association, the leading accreditation commission for departments, and medical personnel who work in law enforcement. 'I think the goal is to make any improvement. If we can save even a small percentage, we're doing something worthwhile,' he said. 'The goal is to come up with some uniformity.' Grisham noted that while some academies have athletic trainers or paramedics on site to respond quickly to injuries during physical training, many do not. One recommendation, he said, could be increasing the use of athletic trainers, who have skills to prevent and respond to injuries.


Cision Canada
2 hours ago
- Cision Canada
New Book Addresses Mental Health Crisis Among Men with Honest, Practical Approach
"Mental Health for Men: Daily Reminders to Stop Being So Hard On Yourself" Offers Real Solutions for Modern Masculine Challenges VANCOUVER, BC, June 11, 2025 /CNW/ - Author James R.C. Smith releases his groundbreaking new book, " Mental Health for Men: Daily Reminders to Stop Being So Hard on Yourself," addressing the largely overlooked mental health crisis affecting millions of men worldwide. Available now on Amazon, this 86-page fillable journal and handbook offers a no-nonsense approach to male mental wellness that breaks through traditional barriers and outdated expectations. The Silent Struggle The statistics are sobering: nearly one in three men experience moderate to high anxiety, and one in five face depression, yet men remain the demographic least likely to seek help or discuss their mental health openly. Smith's book directly confronts this crisis, offering practical tools and honest insights for men exhausted by society's impossible standards. "We've been handed an outdated manual that tells us never to show weakness, figure it out ourselves, and just 'man up,'" says Smith. "But how's that working out for us? The strongest thing you can do as a man is ask for help. Just because you CAN do it alone doesn't mean you SHOULD." A Different Kind of Self-Help Unlike traditional self-help books that promise transformation into a "zen master," Smith's approach is refreshingly realistic. The book acknowledges the unique challenges modern men face—from remote work pressures to digital parenting demands, constant connectivity, and the impossible expectation to be both traditionally masculine and emotionally available. The handbook includes: Research-backed strategies that fit into busy lifestyles Cognitive behavioral therapy techniques presented in accessible language Permission-giving exercises for imperfection in work, parenting, and relationships Practical guidance on asking for help without feeling like a failure Honest reflection exercises from someone who's "been there" Breaking the Stigma "Your mental health isn't a luxury—it's essential," Smith emphasizes. "And taking care of it isn't soft—it's as crucial as changing your oil, eating your veggies, or getting enough sleep." The book's direct, unfiltered tone resonates with men who are tired of being told to suppress their struggles while simultaneously being expected to be emotionally available. Smith's approach combines vulnerability with practicality, offering tools that actually work for real men living real lives. About the Author brings personal experience and research-backed insights to the conversation about men's mental health. Writing from the perspective of someone who has faced the same challenges as his readers, Smith offers authentic guidance rather than distant expertise. Availability "Mental Health for Men: Daily Reminders to Stop Being So Hard on Yourself" is available now on Amazon in hardcover format. The book features 86 pages of practical content designed for busy men who need real solutions, not empty promises. Book Details: Title: Mental Health for Men: Daily Reminders to Stop Being So Hard On Yourself Author: James R.C. Smith Publisher: IngramSpark Publication Date: June 6, 2025 Format: Hardcover, 86 pages ISBN-13: 978-1069562708 Available: Amazon and other major retailers


Global News
4 hours ago
- Global News
Cost of living has half of Canadian pet owners skipping vet visits: survey
Half of Canadian pet owners are skipping visits to the veterinarian's office because of financial concerns, a new survey shows. According to a survey conducted by PetSmart Charities of Canada and Gallup, half (50 per cent) of Canadian pet parents have either skipped or declined necessary veterinary care for their pets. Financial pressure was the leading cause of people skipping the vet's office, the survey of 2,033 dog and cat owners from the 10 provinces in Canada found. Of those who said they were declining or skipping those visits, 67 per cent said they did so because it was not affordable, they did not believe the services were worth the cost or a combination of both. 0:59 Global Okanagan Adopt A Pet: Diesel The rate of pet parents skipping the vet was higher among younger Canadians (59 per cent). Story continues below advertisement Even higher-income Canadians were facing financial pressures in dealing with pet care, with 27 per cent of pet owners who make more than $90,000 a year saying they have skipped vet visits. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Of the Canadians who declined pet care, 21 per cent said their veterinarian offered them a payment plan and 66 per cent said an interest-free plan could double what they are able to spend on life-saving care for their furry friends. Another major reason for Canadians skipping pet care is that their vet is simply too far away. Just under half (46 per cent) of those who travel under 10 kilometres to the veterinarian report skipping or declining care, but that figure rises to 54 per cent for those who travel more than 10 kilometres. 2:48 Global Peterborough's Shelter Pet Project June 6 Nearly one in five (18 per cent) pet owners said they rely on non-vets when their pet is sick. This includes consulting the internet, friends or pet professionals, such as trainers and groomers. Story continues below advertisement Four in 10 pet owners said they would be open to services like telemedicine or home visits by vets. 'These data suggest that services like community clinics and telemedicine — where permitted and available — could help make care more accessible, and many pet parents would use them if they could. But awareness and regulation of these services still vary across regions, pointing to opportunities for expanded infrastructure and support,' said Julie Ray, Gallup's managing editor for world news. A recent Ipsos poll showed that inflation and cost of living was the top issue for Canadians. That issue was considered the top domestic news story in Canada by 71 per cent of Canadians, according to the polling conducted exclusively for Global News on what people considered the biggest stories of this year. 4:44 Adopt a Pet: New Hope Dog Rescue fostering dogs for wildfire evacuees Results for the PetSmart Charities of Canada-Gallup State of Pet Care study are based on a combined web- and phone-based survey conducted with 2,033 dog and cat owners from the 10 provinces in Canada. Gallup surveyed 1,804 Canadian adults who indicated they currently owned at least one dog or cat via a web-based survey Nov. 28-Dec. 31, 2024. Gallup also surveyed an additional 229 dog and cat owners via a telephone survey Dec. 5-23, 2024, to reach pet owners who may not have access to the internet. For results based on the total sample of 2,033 Canadian dog and cat owners, the margin of sampling error is ±2.3 percentage points at the 95 per cent confidence level. Margins of error for subgroups are larger.