Rural Health Action Plan
By Chantelle de Jonge Chestermere-Strathmore MLA
Albertans living in rural and remote communities face unique challenges that require tailored supports and approaches to deliver safe, high-quality and sustainable health care services. Our government understands that all Albertans deserve access to the health care services they need, regardless of where they live.
To help guide actions, overcome challenges, and improve outcomes in rural and remote health care, Alberta’s government is launching a Rural Health Action Plan. As some of the first steps being taken under the Action Plan, Alberta’s government is introducing three key initiatives: the Rural and Remote Family Medicine Resident Physician Bursary Pilot Program, the Medical First Responder (MFR) Grant program, and the Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) Education Grant program.
To support family medicine residents interested in practicing in rural or remote communities, we are introducing a Rural and Remote Family Medicine Resident Physician Bursary Pilot Program, which will provide up to $16 million over two years to support future doctors who are committed to serving in rural areas. This bursary is part of the broader Primary Care Stabilization Fund, created through a federal-provincial agreement aimed at enhancing primary health care services across Alberta. Applications for 2024-25 will open in December.
Alberta’s government is also implementing two new grant programs to strengthen rural, remote, First Nation, and Metis communities by attracting and retaining paramedics.
The Medical First Responder (MFR) Grant program will invest $800,000 to foster the establishment of new rural and remote MFR agencies in eligible communities. The Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) Education Grant program will provide $600,000 to EMS services to train and recruit a local workforce. These programs will help close gaps in emergency response and ensure that Albertans living in rural areas have access to life-saving services when they need them most.
The Rural Health Action Plan is designed to be responsive, evolving as the needs of rural communities’ change. It will be reviewed and updated every three years, with a focus on five key areas: workforce, access, models of care, community care, and prevention and wellness. By taking a long-term approach, our government is not only addressing immediate challenges but also building a foundation for sustainable health care solutions that will serve rural communities well into the future.
As always, please feel free to email (Chestermere.Strathmore@assembly.ab.ca) with your feedback and questions.
(Chantelle de Jonge is the MLA for Chestermere-Strathmore and the Parliamentary Secretary for Affordability and Utilities)