Health grants swinging

Press, 11 August 1980, Page 11

Health grants swinging

Health reporter Applications made two years ago for $2.6 million in health project funds will come under scrutiny in Christchurch tomorrow. Forty-one groups applied for the grants in 1978, but only 11 succeeded. Their grants wiG cost the North Canterbury Hospital Board. $927,272, this year. The 30 remaining groups have prepared applications worth nearly $1.5 million. These applications Will be among matters discussed at Tuesday’s meeting between

hospital board and Health Department representatives. The Government’s 1979 cut in health funds ruled out new projects that year, although those started a year earlier were allowed to continue.

These 11 projects include the Alcohol Assessment Centre, the Diabetes Education Service, the Child and Family Guidance Centre, and the Lincoln Community Care Project. The biggest grant ($262,180) this year went to the co-ordinating service providing home help for the .

This organisation is also among the 30 new applicants because it wants another $300,000 to expand its, work.

Other big. grants sought include the Christchurch Coordinating Council for the Handicapped ($22,000), the Diamond Harbour Burgers’ Association ($25,000), the Christchurch Arthritis Society ($20,000) and the Women’s Self-Care Centre ($33,000). Twelve hospital board health schemes which will cost about $700,000 are also among the applicants.