News Release

1995-69
October 20, 1995

Federal government announces grants to national voluntary health organizations

OTTAWA - Health Minister Diane Marleau today announced the approval of sustaining grants to 34 national voluntary health organizations (NVHOs).

In announcing the awards, Madame Marleau emphasized that volunteer organizations play a vital role in the health and well-being of Canadians. She added that, because they offer innovative, effective programs and services directly to Canadians who need them, volunteer health organizations would continue to play a significant part in the health system.

The grants, ranging from $13,000 to $178,000 and totalling almost $ 2.4 million, are intended to help NVHOs become self-sufficient and viable over the long term by strengthening their national infrastructures and assisting with their strategic and program planning, expansion of their affiliated groups, volunteer training, public education and financial development.

Funding for this program was provided for in the February 1995 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework. This announcement is an example of how this government is prioritizing its spending so that it can better serve Canadians by making efficient use of their tax dollars.

Information:
Bonnie Fox-McIntyre/Monique Renaud-Gagné
Health Canada
(613) 957-1588