Last week, the provincial government announced that Albertans will benefit from a $42-million investment to enhance primary care by recruiting more health providers and expanding essential services.
Modernizing Alberta's Primary Health Care System (MAPS) guidelines is a critical step in the government's ongoing efforts to improve primary care access for all Albertans.
Enhancing access to team-based care was emphasized in the final MAPS report. In particular, this new funding will increase integrated support services for disadvantaged Albertans, draw more healthcare providers to rural areas, and improve access to such care there.
“These grants are another way we are strengthening primary health care across the province so more Albertans will have timely access to the care they need,” stated Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health.
In order to offer better-integrated care, the government of Alberta is spending $30 million over two years to increase services at four community health clinics, two in Edmonton and two in Calgary, which Airdronians might receive care from:
- The Alex Community Health Centre - $11.6 million
- CUPS Calgary Society - $6.6 million
- The Jasper Place Wellness Centre -$7 million
- Radius Community Health & Healing - $4.8 million
To enhance team-based primary health care, $12 million is being allocated over two years to a Municipality Supported Clinics Grant and a Rural Team Recruitment Grant.
Over a two-year period, $6 million will be provided by the Municipality Supported Clinics Grant and the Rural Team Recruitment Grant.
DiscoverAirdrie did reach out to the City of Airdrie to ask if they could take advantage of this recent announcement, and according to the city, they are still trying to figure that out.
"The City has reviewed the announcement and needs to better understand the opportunities for funding under this program. It is too early to know whether this funding will help to advance primary healthcare in Airdrie. If opportunities are identified, we will investigate them."
To boost capacity and enhance access in their clinics, community organizations and clinics will be able to hire more non-physician team members with the help of the Rural Team Recruitment Grant. Additionally, by helping rural municipalities or regions improve team-based care, the Municipality Supported Clinics Grant will enable them to either take over or support the operations of primary care clinics that are already operating in their communities.
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