The NSW Government’s commitment to closing the gap with improved health outcomes for Aboriginal people takes a step forward with the launch of a pioneering $5 million research program focused on improving cardiovascular health.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of the gap in death rates between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians, and is also the second leading cause of death in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Specialist researchers are encouraged to apply for the NSW Health Aboriginal Heart Health Grants to help address this gap by increasing the number of targeted Aboriginal cardiovascular disease research projects in NSW, with funding for the Office for Health and Medical Research-administered program to support researchers working on projects in areas including coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure, cardiovascular complications of diabetes and obesity, and congenital heart disease.

Applications for the grants are open until 13^th December 2024, with more information available by heading to medicalresearch.nsw.gov.au and search Aboriginal Heart Heath Grants.