In keeping with the Provincial Government�s commitment to support healthy aging through quality research, the Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Health and Community Services and Minister Responsible for Aging and Seniors, has announced the second call for applications for the 2009-2010 Newfoundland and Labrador Healthy Aging Research Program. This program was announced in March 2008 and this is the second call for research proposals.

"Not only does the Newfoundland and Labrador Healthy Aging Research Program help provide us with valuable information on aging and seniors� issues, it also helps foster more attention on this field of study in the research community," said Minister Wiseman. "In essence, we obtain insight that helps us plan our policies and programs while also generating more awareness of these important issues at the academic and community level."

An annual investment of $200,000 is allocated through the Healthy Aging Policy Framework to support research projects on issues relating to aging and seniors. This program, which awarded funding to researchers and students of various disciplines in its first year, will contribute to the health of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians by continuing to foster research in areas that are important to the well-being of the aging population in the province. This research will help to address some of the key issues described in the provincial Healthy Aging Policy Framework.

Dr. Stephen Bornstein, Director of Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Applied Health Research (NLCAHR), emphasized the important opportunities this program provides.

"These grants and fellowships will allow us to build much-needed expertise right here on a wide array of aging-related topics," said Dr. Bornstien. "The funding can also help provide an evidence base for policy decisions involving the needs of this province�s aging population."

The program is administered by the NLACHR. Funding is available for new and experienced researchers, as well as students in various stages of their academic careers who are interested in research projects related to aging and seniors.

The deadline for applications is October 13, 2009. Details are available on the NLCAHR website: www.nlcahr.mun.ca

- 30 -

Media contacts: