College to set research chair for health initiative
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Red Deer College has been given $565,700 for a research and rural health initiative.
The money from Rural Alberta’s Development Fund will be used to establish a Chair in Rural Health, Applied Research and Development at the college.
That person will work with community groups, town councils and economic development agencies on various issues involving healthy living in communities.
Rick Tofani, director of applied research and innovation at the college, said early childhood developmental screening for issues such as learning disabilities could be part of the work done through the position. Addictions research is another area that will likely be targeted.
The position will also look at recruiting and retaining doctors and caregivers and what sorts of supports communities should aim to have in place for them, based on successful efforts elsewhere.
Tofani said the person hired is likely to be a health expert with a background in community building.
Their role bears similarities to that of a social worker. “This person is like that except that they have a lot of expertise in health care and health services.”
Partners in the project include the David Thompson Health Region, The Association of Alberta Colleges and Technical Institutions, the Central Alberta Economic Partnership and Selkirk College.
The position is expected to be filled by September.
Contact Paul Cowley at pcowley@reddeeradvocate.com
