Innovating for Heart Health: Closing the Gaps in Cardiovascular & Diabetes Care 

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 – in preparation).

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—yet traditional approaches to prevention and care often fail to account for these realities. It’s time for a new approach.

Introducing the 3rd Rapid Innovation Challenge

From March to June, we’re 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.

Closing the Gaps: Our Three Focus Areas

To move from awareness to action, this challenge will focus on three key areas where we can drive real change:

Prevention

How might we identify at-risk individuals before their condition worsens?

Access to Care

What barriers, related to income, geography, and physician attachment, prevent people from getting timely care, and how might remove them?

Disease Management

How might we recognize the diverse needs of different populations and provide personalized, intersectional care that meets them where they are? 
Who We’re Focusing On

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.

Diagnosed Individuals

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. How might we provide better support and resources to help individuals effectively manage their condition and improve their long-term health outcomes?

Undiagnosed & At-Risk Individuals

Some people don’t know they are at risk—or they face barriers to early detection and care due to socioeconomic challenges and a lack of continuity in healthcare access. How might we reach and support these individuals before their condition worsens?

Women Across Critical Life Stages

Women’s 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. How might we improve prevention and care for women at these critical life stages?

A Collaborative Effort

This initiative is made possible through the support of our Systems Leaders Council, which includes organizations such as:

  • NB Pharmacists Association
  • Heart & Stroke Foundation
  • Can Health
  • UNB, Institute of Population Health
  • UNB, NB-IRDT
  • Université de Moncton
  • YMCA
  • New Brunswick Medical Society
  • NB Physiotherapy Association
  • Shoppers Drug Mart
  • UNB, McKenna Institute
  • UNB, Centre for Research in Integrated Care

Join us in shaping the future of cardiovascular and diabetes care in New Brunswick. Learn more about the Rapid Innovation Challenge here