Mental Health, Wellness, and Recovery Minister Audrey Gordon announced Wednesday that Manitoba is launching a social impact bond, partnering with the Reh-Fit Centre and Victoria General Hospital Foundation to support women’s heart health.
A social impact bond is an innovative social policy tool that brings together government, the private sector, not-for-profits and other stakeholders to deliver effective solutions focused on prevention.
Gordon explains the decision for this:
“Women experience heart health differently from men, and rates of heart disease in women come at a significant cost to society and the individuals involved. Women may not prioritize their health above the health of others, and signs of heart disease often go unrecognized. Our government’s fourth social impact bond offers a much-needed tailored approach that aims to reduce the risk of heart disease among women in Manitoba and support post-pandemic efforts to increase physical activity levels.”
Gordon noted circulatory diseases are the leading cause of death and a leading cause of hospitalization in Manitoba, and approximately six percent of Manitoban women have heart disease.
A 2017 study commissioned by Manitoba Health and Seniors Care found the cost of treating individuals with heart disease is six times greater than individuals with general medical needs.
