MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - County council has approved health funding totalling $51,710 to four community organizations.
The move came by way of motion at the May 24 council meeting, held in person and online.
The organizations receiving funding are Hope 4 MVC Kids Society, Olds & District Hospice Society, Sundre Health Professionals Attraction & Retention and the Village of Cremona/Cremona FCSS.
Through its health funding program the county supports innovative solutions that support health-care service delivery within the Mountain View County region, chief adminstrative officer Jeff Holmes said in a briefing note to council.
“If a proposed project is beneficial to an urban municipality that municipality should contribute an equal per capita amount. This funding commitment should be obtained by the applicant prior to council approval.”
Any allocated funding for health-care initiatives must have a direct benefit to residents of county.
The grant program budget is $64,905 in 2023, and a total of $66,710 was requested by the four organizations.
Hope 4 MVC Kids Society requested $16,610 and will receive $16,610.
A non-profit society and registered charity, Hope 4 MVC Kids Society supports families that live in the Mountain View County area, including in urban centres, who have children in medical needs.
Programs run by the society include assisting with costs incurred if a local child is hospitalized, including car parking fees, meals, fuel, and sibling care. For long-term admission there is the potential for additional supports such as rent, mortgage and utility assistance.
The society was allocated $15,765 in 2022, with the funds used to support eight families with medical needs, including paying for accommodation at the Ronald McDonald House.
The Olds & District Hospice Society requested $35,000 and will receive $20,000.
“Grant funding will go towards providing support for improved hospice palliative care within Mountain View County (region), specifically to offset monthly lease expenses on two hospice suites in an assisted living facility.
“These suits have been at maximum capacity with a waitlist and the society is wanting to expand to support the increase in demand within the county,” he said.
The society received $30,000 in 2022, with 14 families utilizing the two hospice suites, with 85 volunteers assisting with programs.
Sundre Health Professionals Attraction and Retention requested $10,000 and will receive $10,000.
“The committee is seeking to access funding for health improvement activities in their community, including the retention and recruitment of health professionals,” he said.
“They plan to host several activities including temporary housing and mentoring for new nurse hires as well as hosting a youth component known as Skills Day for high school students from Sundre and Cremona.”
The organization received $10,000 in 2022, supporting medical and nursing staff for continuing education, recognizing long service physicians and staff.
The Village of Cremona/Cremona FCSS requested $5,100 and will receive $5,100
The funding will go to support two projects -- one to host a program that would allow kids with anxiety and social issues to be in an environment where they feel comfortable, while joining in social activity.
The second project will involve several mental health programs including workshops.
The organization received $3,500 in 2022, supporting a mental health marathon and a first aid course.
Council passed a second motion calling for advertising of a second round of health funding grant program applications for 2023.
