SASKATOON, SK, June 6, 2024
/CNW/ - For over 32 years, Saskatchewan Blue Cross has worked with
the Royal University Hospital (RUH) Foundation to advance
healthcare in the province. Today, they embark on a new journey
together as Saskatchewan Blue Cross invests $50,000 in the Saskatchewan Epilepsy Program at
RUH.
The program provides in-patient care and support for the
estimated 10,000 people in the province living with epilepsy. Funds
will assist in providing an Integrated Wellness Program for
Saskatchewan people living with
epilepsy as well as their caregivers, offering education, social
support and the removal of psychological barriers to promote
healthy lifestyles while enhancing quality of life.
"This integrated wellness program is unique to Saskatchewan epilepsy patients, but it doesn't
stop with our province," said Kelly
Wilson, President and CEO of Saskatchewan Blue Cross. "It
will hopefully become a model for others to institute programs like
this as a standard of care and support services."
The 8-to-12-week Integrated Wellness Program has patients work
one-on-one with wellness and exercise experts, building and
providing tools for patients to use in their daily lives while
living with epilepsy. The program also looks to enhance general
awareness of those living with epilepsy, including information for
individuals on what to do when they see someone having a
seizure.
"Understanding conditions like epilepsy and how to respond
to those having a seizure expands our Health Literacy – which is
our knowledge and understanding of health information and
services," said Kelly. "We are committed to investing in programs
such as these as they impact community wellness on a fundamental
level."
The Public Health Agency of Canada shows that about 1 in 100
Canadians are affected by epilepsy, with an estimated 54 new cases
diagnosed every day. In Saskatchewan, research shows that individuals
from Indigenous communities are twice as likely to have epilepsy.
Data also shows that those who are part of the LGBTQ2+ community
see incidences of those with epilepsy being three times higher in
transgender people than the general population.
"Royal University Hospital Foundation is extremely grateful for
the generosity of Saskatchewan Blue Cross in making the Integrated
Wellness Program a reality here at RUH," RUH Foundation CEO
Jennifer Molloy said. "Working
together, we are enhancing the care available and the quality of
life for those living with seizure disorders and epilepsy in
Saskatchewan."
Learn more at sk.bluecross.ca.
SOURCE Saskatchewan Blue Cross