MLA REPORT MAY 2024-Major Investments in Women's and Children's Health Care in Alberta

The government is taking major steps to enhance health care services for women and children across the province.

Women's Health Care Investments

Over the next two years,  $20 million will be invested to advance and improve women's health care research in Alberta:

- $10 million to establish the Alberta Women's Health Foundation Legacy Grant to support research on cervical cancer, heart disease, and other women's health issues, as well as recruit top researchers and fund advocacy efforts.

- $10 million for the Calgary Health Foundation to fund health projects driving breakthroughs for Albertans.

These investments will improve access to top quality women's health care services provincewide and enhance overall well-being for women.

Expanding Newborn Screening

To ensure our newest Albertans get a healthy start, $6 million will be invested to add four more conditions to Alberta's Newborn Screening Program. This will make it one of the most comprehensive newborn screening programs in Canada:

- The program currently screens over 90% of babies born in Alberta annually.

- Adding 4 new conditions (increasing from 22 to 26 total) will allow for earlier detection and intervention for more childhood conditions.

These initiatives demonstrate our government's commitment to delivering exceptional health care for all Albertans from birth through every stage of life. We are leading the way in women's and children's health services and research for a stronger health care system overall.