The provincial government announced they plan to allocate $50 million in funding for the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research.
The MSFHR has developed advances in breast cancer, human papillomavirus, and researches ways to prevent falls. The foundation is currently funnelling money into the Men’s Health Research Program which helps men deal with depression and suicide.
“We are de-stigmatizing mental illness and providing accessible and safe spaces for men to strategize their self-management and connect with mental health care services,” said Dr. John Oliffe, founder of the program in a release.
“This burgeoning research program and the benefits that are flowing to men and their families would never have been possible without the foresight and investment of the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research.”
The foundation says with government grants like this one, they can help grow the economy. Scholars with the MSFHR have attracted more than $1.1 billion in investments to B.C.’s research community and more than 4,700 apprentices have been trained.
Health Minister Terry Lake said the investment is crucial to our healthcare system.
“With our recently released venture capital fund, the basis for a comprehensive technology strategy, it’s clear that British Columbians continue to benefit from projects undertaken by the best and brightest researchers. Our priorities remain in spearheading significant research projects that cure illness, improve treatments, and save lives.”
Other initiatives by the foundation include providing trainees to the B.C. Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS and providing funds for H1N1 research.