Sun Life Financial and William Osler Health System launch innovative diabetes prevention program
TORONTO, March 31, 2017 /CNW/ - Sun Life Financial Inc. (TSX: SLF) (NYSE: SLF) is proud to announce a $300,000 commitment to the William Osler Health System (Osler) Foundation to launch the Sun Life Financial Osler Global Health Program (Global Health Program) and the Sun Life Financial At Risk Diabetes Clinic (At Risk Clinic) at Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health in Brampton. These unique initiatives will support diabetes screening, treatment and collaborative research to benefit patients in high-risk populations such as Punjab, India and surrounding communities of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
"We're committed to working with Osler to provide enhanced access to diabetes prevention and care initiatives through the Global Health Program and At Risk Clinic," said Lisa Ritchie, Senior Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer, Sun Life Financial. "At Sun Life, we understand the value in collaborating with local health care organizations to improve access to care; exchange knowledge and skills; and find innovative ways to improve services at home and abroad."
According to the World Health Organization, diabetes prevalence in India is among the top three highest in the world and the region served by Osler has one of the highest incidences of diabetes in Ontario. The Global Health Program will significantly improve diabetes care in the GTA and Punjab, with the biggest impact in India coming through increased access to diabetes education and care for rural villagers through diabetes medical camps. The Global Health Program will also engage nursing students as a way to educate the next generation of health care professionals in Punjab on how to prevent, diagnose and treat diabetes. Closer to home, the impact will be felt through comparative research opportunities into diabetes and other chronic diseases.
"We recognize that diabetes is a huge concern in the region we serve, as well as in India where so many of our patients and their families are from," said Ken Mayhew, President and CEO, Osler Foundation. "We are grateful to Sun Life Financial for their support of both programs. This new partnership will provide improved access to diabetes care that is urgently needed and help fill a gap and reduce the prevalence and severity of the disease."
Sun Life Financial and Osler Foundation also announced today the creation of the At Risk Diabetes Clinic at Osler. Opening in spring/summer 2017, the At Risk Diabetes Clinic will help identify and provide support to individuals at risk of developing or those who have already been diagnosed with prediabetes. Without intervention, prediabetes is likely to develop into type 2 diabetes within 10 years or less. However, with the proper support and access to education and resources, the progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes can be stopped. The At Risk Diabetes Clinic will offer dedicated fitness, education and dietary/nutritional support to people and their family members at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, including children between the ages of 6 and 18.
Sun Life Financial takes a holistic approach to supporting the well-being of Clients, Employees and communities around the world. Since announcing diabetes as our key business and community giving priority across our global footprint, Sun Life Financial has committed over $17 million to the cause.
About Sun Life Financial
Sun Life Financial is a leading international financial services organization providing a diverse range of insurance, wealth and asset management solutions to individuals and corporate Clients. Sun Life Financial has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of December 31, 2016, Sun Life Financial had total assets under management of $903 billion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com.
Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.
About William Osler Health System
William Osler Health System is a hospital system that serves 1.3 million residents of Brampton, Etobicoke, and surrounding communities within the Central West Local Health Integration Network. Osler's emergency departments are among the busiest in Canada and its labour and delivery program is one of the largest in the province. William Osler Health System Foundation builds and fosters relationships in order to raise funds to support William Osler Health System's capital, education and research priorities at Brampton Civic Hospital, Etobicoke General Hospital and the new Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness.
Note to Editors: All figures in Canadian dollars.
Media relations contacts:
Alessandra Nigro
Manager, Corporate Communications
Sun Life Financial
T. 416-979-4884
C. 416-859-6918
[email protected]
Alineh Haidery
Regional Manager, Public Relations
William Osler Health System
T: 416-670-3592
[email protected]
SOURCE Sun Life Financial Canada
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