{"id":4911,"date":"2025-02-27T17:07:18","date_gmt":"2025-02-27T21:07:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ponddeshpande.ca\/?page_id=4911"},"modified":"2025-03-10T15:09:06","modified_gmt":"2025-03-10T18:09:06","slug":"closing-the-gaps-in-cardiovascular-diabetes-care","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ponddeshpande.ca\/fr\/blog\/closing-the-gaps-in-cardiovascular-diabetes-care\/","title":{"rendered":"Closing the Gaps in Cardiovascular & Diabetes Care"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Innovating for Heart Health: Closing the Gaps in Cardiovascular & Diabetes Care<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h3><\/span>
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Heart disease is the second leading cause of death in Canada (Government of Canada), yet not everyone has the same opportunity for prevention, diagnosis, and care. In New Brunswick, factors like income, geography, and access to primary care create significant disparities in cardiovascular health. Where you live, how much you earn, and whether you have consistent access to a doctor all affect your risk of developing heart disease and how well you can manage it (McGinn, C. et al, 2025 \u2013 in preparation).<\/span><\/p>\n

These disparities are magnified by socioeconomic challenges. Heart disease and diabetes are more common among people facing financial hardship, housing instability, and limited healthcare access\u2014yet traditional approaches to prevention and care often fail to account for these realities.\u00a0<\/span>It\u2019s time for a new approach.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Introducing the 3rd Rapid Innovation Challenge <\/span><\/h6><\/h4><\/span>
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From March to June, we\u2019re launching a Rapid Innovation Challenge, a collaborative effort to tackle cardiovascular health disparities head-on. In partnership with Shoppers Drug Mart, the McKenna Institute, NB-IRDT, and Research NB, this initiative will bring together healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers, and community leaders to develop solutions that meet the needs of those most impacted by cardiovascular disease and diabetes.<\/p>\n

Closing the Gaps: Our Three Focus Areas<\/h5>\n

To move from awareness to action, this challenge will focus on three key areas where we can drive real change:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Prevention<\/h2><\/a><\/div>
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How might we identify<\/span> at-risk individuals before their condition worsens?
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Access to Care <\/h2><\/a><\/div>
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What barriers, related to income, geography, and physician attachment, prevent people from getting timely care, and <\/span>how might<\/span> remove them?<\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Disease Management <\/h2><\/a><\/div>
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How<\/span> might we <\/span>recognize the diverse needs of different populations and provide personalized, intersectional care that meets them where they are?<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Who We’re Focusing On<\/h5>\n

By focusing on those most impacted, this initiative aims to drive equitable, evidence-based, and community-led solutions that lead to better long-term health outcomes.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Diagnosed Individuals<\/h2><\/a><\/div>
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Many people already living with cardiovascular disease or diabetes struggle to navigate their diagnosis, prevent disease progression, and manage their condition in a way that fits their individual needs. <\/span>How might we provide better support and resources to help individuals effectively manage their condition and improve their long-term health outcomes?<\/span><\/b><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Undiagnosed & At-Risk Individuals <\/h2><\/a><\/div>
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Some people don\u2019t know they are at risk\u2014or they face barriers to early detection and care due to socioeconomic challenges and a lack of continuity in healthcare access. <\/span>How might we reach and support these individuals before their condition worsens?<\/span><\/b><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Women Across Critical Life Stages<\/h2><\/a><\/div>
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Women\u2019s cardiovascular risks evolve over time, yet they are often overlooked in research, diagnosis, and treatment. Pregnancy acts as a stress test for the heart, increasing long-term cardiovascular risk. Perimenopause & Menopause lead to hormonal shifts that significantly raise heart disease risk. <\/span>How might we improve prevention and care for women at these critical life stages?<\/span><\/b><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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A Collaborative Effort<\/p>\n

This initiative is made possible through the support of our Systems Leaders Council, which includes organizations such as:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>