The NSW Government's commitment to closing the gap with improved health outcomes for Aboriginal people takes a step forward today with the launch of a pioneering $5 million research program focused on improving cardiovascular health.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of the gap in death rates between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians.
It is also the second leading cause of death in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Specialist researchers are encouraged to apply for the NSW Health Aboriginal Heart Health Grants to help address this gap by increasing the number of targeted Aboriginal cardiovascular disease research projects in NSW.
Funding for the Office for Health and Medical Research-administered program will support researchers working on projects in areas including coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure, cardiovascular complications of diabetes and obesity, and congenital heart disease.
Funds can be used for research staff, equipment, consultations, training and reimbursement for research participants.
A consultation process was undertaken to assist with the development of the grant, with participants including Aboriginal representatives from NSW Health and other stakeholders, academic experts and previous recipients of NSW Health grants focused on Aboriginal health.
Applications for the grants are open until 13 December 2024. For information on how to apply go to: https://www.medicalresearch.nsw.gov.au/aboriginal-heart-health-grants
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty and Minister for Medical Research David Harris said:
“Closing the gap in health outcomes and life expectancy is a top priority of the NSW Government.
“The NSW Health Aboriginal Heart Health Grants are the first of their kind in the state and provide an important opportunity to improve cardiovascular outcomes for Aboriginal people.
“I am proud to announce this new targeted call for research because we know that cardiovascular disease is more common among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people than non-Aboriginal Australians.
“We know that to close the gap, Aboriginal people must shape and drive outcomes, alongside government, and this grant is a wonderful example of this in action."