Veterans Affairs Canada and Health Canada are collaborating in a joint initiative to invest
in a community-based falls prevention pilot program.
Three Regions will be involved in the pilot: Atlantic Canada, Ontario and British
Columbia/Yukon. The pilot has the potential to reach almost 70% of Veterans Affairs
Canada's clients and approximately 60% of all Canadian seniors.
Veterans Affairs Canada will commit $10 million over a four-year period. The funds will
be distributed through Health Canada's Population Health Fund.
The pilot will allow both departments to:
- improve the independence and quality of life for veterans and seniors residing in the selected areas;
- generate new knowledge to improve the effectiveness of health promotion, and;
- contribute to the sustainability of Canada's health care system.
Projects recommended for funding will target and involve both veterans and seniors in a
manner that addresses falls prevention opportunities important to Canada's aging
population and that supports Health Canada's population health approach.*
Eligible applicants will be based on the guidelines of Health Canada's Population Health
Fund* and include any Canadian voluntary not-for-profit organization or educational
institution. Support to pure research is not eligible under the terms of the Population
Health Fund but it's expected that the research community may participate as partners or
sponsors in approved projects and will benefit from the knowledge and products
developed in the course of those projects.
Information on the application process and project requirements are being developed. It
is expected that the first request for proposals will be released in September, 2000.
It is anticipated that projects will be recommended for approval toward the end of the
year.
* More information about Health Canada's Population Health Fund and population health
approach can be found by visiting Health Canada's Population Health Approach Internet site.
