McMaster University wins $13M for health research

McMaster University beat out nearly 200 other applicants in the Health System Research Fund competition to win a $13 million investment in health research projects.

Four out of eleven projects will be lead by McMaster researchers, including issues that are of priority for the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care as well as for Ontario citizens.

The projects include a $3.3 million study of optimal aging at home for older adults with three or more chronic medical conditions. Researchers will be advised by patients and families on how to best serve this segment of the community without the use of hospitals.

Also included is a $3 million study of child and youth mental health, picking up where the Ontario Child Health Study left off 30 years ago. The study will focus on demographic and economic changes in the community that impact Ontario children. The study will include 10,000 children from across the province, ages 4 to 18.

A $1.9 million grant will go a study of built environments, examining subsidized housing, concentrated poverty, and walkable streets.

Most of the money, $5 million, will go to analyzing effectiveness and efficiency of Ontario's current and proposed policies in health care.

Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale MPP Ted McMeekin made the announcement, stating, "I'm very pleased that McMaster's long commitment to excellence in health care research is recognized in this important way."