Did you know that between 75% and 99% of our clients run into funding issues when trying to buy a mobile clinic or any other type of mobile medical unit? This funding challenge is a big deal for many Indigenous communities and healthcare groups. You want to provide care, but finding the money to make it happen isn’t easy.
It’s tough because you know that a mobile clinic can bring healthcare to places that need it most. But without the right funding:
- It’s almost impossible to get these vehicles on the road
- People in your community will miss out on vital healthcare
- Your community might face longer waits for basic health checkups
- People might have to travel long distances for healthcare
At MoveMobility, we know how frustrating it is to face a healthcare barrier like funding. We’ve helped many communities all over Canada get mobile clinics up and running so they can bring care to those who need it most. Although there are other manufacturers out there, we’re dedicated to helping you find the best solution for your needs without bias.
You’ll learn about the Indigenous Health Equity Fund in this article. We’ll break down how this fund works, who can apply, and why it might be the answer to your funding needs. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of how you can use this fund to make healthcare more accessible for your community.
Indigenous Health Equity Fund: what’s it all about?
The Indigenous Health Equity Fund is here to help Indigenous communities across Canada get better healthcare. It’s giving out $2 billion over the next 10 years—that’s around $200 million each year! This money is meant to make healthcare fairer and more available for Indigenous Peoples, who often face big health challenges.
Here’s how the funding is split up:
Distinctions-based funding
This part of the funding provides around $190 million each year to Métis, First Nations, and Inuit communities. It’s money they can count on for a long time, allowing them to focus on their biggest healthcare needs.
Think of it as a long-term commitment to helping Indigenous peoples in Canada improve their health. This funding is flexible, which means communities can use it in ways that best suit their unique needs.
Here’s how this funding can help:
Supporting community choices: Indigenous communities get to decide how they’ll use the money to improve their health. They have options, whether they need:
- Better primary care
- New healthcare buildings
- Mobile medical units
- More public health programs
This freedom to choose means they can focus on what really matters to them.
Broad health coverage: The fund covers many areas of health. Some communities might focus on mental wellness programs, while others might want better health infrastructure, like clinics or mobile units. It’s all about meeting each community’s specific needs.
Where funding doesn’t apply: The fund doesn’t cover everything. For instance, some insured health services that are already provided by provinces or territories, like seeing a doctor or getting certain tests, aren’t included. Communities will still need to connect with their provincial or territorial health services for these kinds of care.
Check out these sources to find out what’s eligible:
- Support Service Transfer Contributions
- Health Infrastructure Authority
- Primary Health Care Authority
Targeted initiatives
The other $10 million goes toward short-term projects. The Target Initiatives funding is all about providing fast, focused support to Indigenous communities for specific health projects. This funding aims to encourage innovative solutions and can go up to $500,000 per year. It’s designed to address key health needs that can make a big difference in a short time.
Here’s how this part of the funding works:
Short-term and goal-focused: This funding is perfect for communities and organizations that want to tackle specific health priorities quickly. That might be improving healthcare delivery with new technology or supporting an important cause like Indigenous women’s health. This funding is all about helping communities make things happen.
Flexible projects: The funding can be used for a variety of priorities. For example, some communities might use it to improve urban health services, while others may focus on programs for 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals. This funding can be used to support unique projects that can improve health for Indigenous Peoples in different ways.
Where to learn more: If you’re curious about eligibility or want details on how to apply, you can check out more information on the Indigenous Health Equity Fund – Targeted Initiatives.
Just picture it: with this funding, you could bring a mobile clinic right into your community, offering care to those who haven’t had access to it. Think of the difference you could make for that elder who struggles to travel or the young mom who needs check-ups close to home. The Indigenous Health Equity Fund gives you a real shot at making this happen for your people.
Find out what’s eligible.
How do you apply for the Indigenous Health Equity Fund?
If you’re ready to take action and improve healthcare in your community, here’s what you need to do. To apply for the Targeted Initiatives Indigenous Health Equity Fund, you must submit an implementation plan to fesa-ihef@sac-isc.gc.ca. This is your chance to explain your ideas!
Who can apply: If you’re part of a Métis, First Nations, or Inuit community, or even a smaller grassroots organization that isn’t receiving distinctions-based funding, you can apply. This fund is open to anyone within these groups who wants to improve healthcare in their community.
When to apply: Applications are open year-round, but if you’re hoping to get funding for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, it’s best to apply as soon as you can.
What happens after the deadline: If the fund runs out for the year, your application will be reviewed for the next fiscal year. Once funding is fully allocated, keep an eye on the official webpage for updates.
What do you include in your Indigenous Health Equity Fund application?
Your implementation plan should have some important information. Here’s what you need to include:
Community or organization name: Tell them the name of your community or organization. For example, “Cree Nation Health Services.”
Indigenous distinction: Specify if you’re First Nations, Inuit, or Métis. This helps clarify who you represent.
Location: Share which province or territory your community is in, like “British Columbia” or “Yukon.”
Activity description: Explain what you plan to do. Are you thinking about starting a mobile clinic to bring healthcare to remote areas? Share all the details!
Innovative approach: Show them how your idea is new or different. Maybe you want to use telehealth to reach people who can’t travel.
Partnerships: List any groups or organizations you’ll work with. For instance, teaming up with local health clinics or schools can strengthen your project.
Funding amount: State how much money you’re asking for. This helps plan how to distribute funds.
Expected results: Describe what you hope to achieve with the funding. Will it help reduce wait times for health services? Explain the positive impact you expect!
Follow-Up: After you submit your plan, they might reach out to ask more questions. This helps them understand your project better. But remember, just sending in a plan doesn’t guarantee you’ll receive funding. All plans will be reviewed to see if they fit the program’s goals.
If you don’t apply this year, don’t worry. You’ll have another chance to submit your plan next year.
Got any questions about the Indigenous Health Equity Fund?
You’re here because you want to know about the Indigenous Health Equity Fund and how it can help improve healthcare in your community. After reading this article, you’ve discovered how this funding can support First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities by providing vital resources for health projects that truly matter.
At MoveMobility, we understand the unique challenges Indigenous communities face when accessing healthcare. This is where the Indigenous Health Equity Fund can make a huge difference. With this funding, you can secure mobile medical units that bring healthcare directly to your community. Imagine having a fully equipped mobile clinic right where you need it. It could make healthcare more accessible for everyone, especially those living in remote areas.
If you have any questions or want to learn more about how our mobile solutions can help your community, click the button below to chat with a mobility expert. If you’re not ready to talk just yet, that’s fine! We have a couple of other resources we think you’ll find informative.
Start by checking out the video below on how much a mobile medical van from MoveMobility costs. Knowing this can help you complete your application for funding.
You should also read our article on how to apply for funding for mobile medical vehicles. It’ll help you find the funding you need for your organization’s mobile clinic.
