Funding committed to continue work on health needs of Aboriginal population

Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions will provide a grant of $1.7-million over seven years to University of Lethbridge Faculty of Health Sciences researcher Dr. Cheryl Currie to aid in her research to gain a better understanding of the health needs of rural and urban Aboriginal populations. Currie, an assistant professor of public health, has been selected as the AIHS Translational Health Chair in Aboriginal Health and Wellness. Last year, Currie released information for a study that demonstrated the role of Aboriginal traditional culture and knowledge in the health and well-being of Aboriginal peoples in cities. Currie said improving the health of Aboriginal populations depends on having a greater understanding of the factors that shape Indigenous health in Canada. As an AIHS Translational Chair, Currie will continue to work in partnership with Aboriginal communities to examine health determinants and to develop and evaluate interventions that address community-identified health needs for children, youth and adults.