Novartis Canada awards more than $680,000 to community-based programs aimed at advancing health equity

MONTRÉAL, December 4, 2024 — Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. (Novartis) is pleased to announce the three recipients of its inaugural Health Equity Initiative. Based on the high impact potential of the selected projects, the initial total funding commitment of $500,000 CAD was increased to more than $680,000 CAD.

"At Novartis, we believe that equitable access to healthcare is a fundamental right for every individual, regardless of their circumstances. With the launch of our Health Equity Initiative and an investment of more than $680,000, we are proud to support organizations that are dedicated to dismantling barriers of access and promoting inclusive health solutions. Together, we can drive meaningful change and help work towards a system where all Canadians have the opportunity to receive the timely and appropriate care they deserve."
— Mark Vineis, Country President, Novartis Canada

The three organizations selected to receive funding in 2024 are:

Fort Severn First Nation — a remote fly-in community based in Fort Severn, Ontario. With funding from the Novartis Health Equity Initiative, they will work to establish a team of health coordinators within the community to bridge the gap between families and the healthcare system. Their efforts aim to improve access to timely diagnoses, treatment, and preventative care, ultimately striving for better health outcomes for the community.

"We are a remote northernmost community in Ontario and because we have no road access, our community members have to fly out for health care. As a result, diagnoses and treatment are not received in a timely manner, children's health and disabilities are not addressed, chronic problems develop, and sometimes lives are lost prematurely. These funds will be used to establish a group of Meno ya Win coordinators, who will be vetted and trained by the Learn and Uplift Foundation. They will be assigned to families and liaise with medical teams to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment."
— Cheryl Thomas, Councillor, Fort Severn First Nation

Foundations for Social Change — a non-profit organization that develops innovative programs to help vulnerable populations, based in Vancouver, British Columbia. With funding from the Novartis Health Equity Initiative, they will work to improve health outcomes, foster long-term stability, and reduce disparities by addressing the significant health equity gap faced by individuals experiencing and transitioning out of homelessness and extreme poverty.

"The New Leaf Expansion project specifically addresses the health equity issue faced by individuals experiencing homelessness and extreme poverty, who disproportionately suffer from poor health outcomes due to systemic barriers to health care. We are incredibly grateful for this gift from Novartis, which will allow us to continue to focus on our goal of reducing disparities in health outcomes and promoting long-term stability for marginalized populations, and will give us the opportunity to explore scaling up our work and potentially bringing this project to other communities."
— Amber Dyce, Chief Executive Officer, Foundations for Social Change

Black Physicians of Canada — an organization dedicated to uniting, supporting, amplifying, and empowering Black physicians, physicians in training, patients, and the Black community across Canada. Funding from the Novartis Health Equity Initiative will enable them to create the first national Black physician database in Canada, providing access to culturally sensitive care to improve diagnoses and treatment while empowering patients and healthcare professionals within the Black community to achieve better health outcomes.

"We are committed to ensuring that the Black community has access to culturally sensitive care. This generous gift from Novartis will enable us to support people seeking access to health care and to collaborate with Black communities to create resources for healthcare professionals and patients."
— Julie Sobowale, Executive Director, Black Physicians of Canada