$1.5 Million Contribution by Pfizer Canada for Cardiovascular Health

/CNW Telbec/ - On October the 6th, the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre celebrated the official launch of ANCHOR (A Novel Approach to Cardiovascular Health by Optimizing Risk Management) project. ANCHOR is a community applied research study and is the collaboration between private and public stakeholders. ANCHOR is one of numerous projects that will benefit from the QEII Foundation's Working Miracles capital campaign. This program, made possible through the outstanding contribution of $l.5 million from Pfizer Canada Inc., will assist Nova Scotians in reducing their risks for developing cardiovascular disease.
           
        Bill Bean, Executive Director of the QEII Foundation announced at the project launch, "Today we celebrate the launch of ANCHOR. This program is made
possible through the generous contribution by Pfizer Canada Inc., and on behalf of the many patients in our community, we thank you for your support."
           
        Dr. Brendan Carr, Director, Primary Care at the Capital District Health Authority shared with the group that ANCHOR is an innovative and proactive
approach for reducing cardiovascular risks in the primary health care environment. "Health innovation requires a positive research infrastructure
and environment, collaborative partners, and a strong vision for health and wellness. Nova Scotia is sending a strong signal to indicate that this
province is an excellent place to invest in innovative health care and technology. We have the ability to develop a model of health care in the
primary setting that will be second to none in the country."
           
        Health Minister Angus MacIsaac noted in his address, "Research that leads to the prevention of chronic conditions, such as heart disease, is critical
because it will help reduce demand, and so reduce the burden on the health care system. But more importantly, this project is significant because it
contributes to improving the overall health of Nova Scotians."
           
        Representing Pfizer Canada Inc. was Guy Lallemand, Vice-President of Government and Public Affairs, "We are excited to be involved in this
collaborative research effort to build innovative models for Cardiovascular and Primary Health Care. We are confident that this program will show improved
cardiovascular health outcomes for Nova Scotians by using a team based health care approach, leveraging community lifestyle resources, and engaging patients
in their health care."
        
        Research projects such as ANCHOR are critical to the development of successful primary health care models. The goal of the project is to improve
cardiovascular disease risk in a primary care adult population.
           
        Atlantic Canadians have the highest rate of cardiovascular risk factors and the highest risk of dying of heart disease. Residents of the Atlantic
provinces are positioned above the national average for all key risk factors associated with heart disease that include smoking, high blood pressure,
diabetes, obesity, and physical inactivity. ANCHOR will provide the opportunity for a multi-disciplinary team of health care professionals to work
with patients who are at risk for developing cardiovascular disease. The study will be conducted at two primary care clinics within the Capital Health and
Cape Breton District Health Authorities.
       
        Working Miracles is the most ambitious capital campaign for health care this region has experienced. Its $42.5 million success will invest in our
community through innovative health care programs; will ensure an unprecedented infusion of state-of-the-art medical equipment; and by
establishing Endowed Chairs, it guarantees a renewed commitment to medical research, education, and continued excellence. Patients serviced by the health
care teams at the Victoria General, the Nova Scotia Rehabilitation Centre, the Abbie J. Lane Memorial, the Camp Hill Veterans's Memorial, and the Halifax
Infirmary will benefit from a superior caliber of medical diagnosis and treatment.
               
            Pfizer Canada is the Canadian operation of Pfizer Inc. which is the world's leading research based pharmaceutical company. Pfizer discovers and
develops innovative prescription medicines for both humans and animals. As a proud member of IMAGINE, Canada's national program to promote corporate
giving, volunteering, and community support, Pfizer Canada provides financial support to over 1,000 not-for-profit organizations across the country. Pfizer
Canada employs over 2,000 people and is headquartered in Kirkland, Quebec.