Sun Life has renewed its partnerships with the University Health Network (UHN) and the SickKids Foundation as part of an ongoing commitment to combatting diabetes.
Both partnerships will see a combined $1.45 million in support of initiatives aimed at curbing the increasing prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes worldwide, according to a news release from the insurer.
Sun Life has engaged in several diabetes-focused partnerships through the years. With this latest investment, the insurer has committed over $50 million to its global fight against diabetes since 2012.
“Sun Life's innovative partnerships are helping to bridge the gap between access and support to create positive health outcomes,” said Dave Jones, president at Sun Life Health. “We're thrilled to reach this exciting milestone which shows our commitment to helping people live healthier lives.”
Through its partnership with UHN’s Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Sun Life has committed $750,000 over the next three years to extend its support for the Sun Life Diabetes College and the myDiabetes program.
This investment will focus on developing culturally appropriate diabetes prevention resources for Indigenous and Black communities. Additionally, the myDiabetes program will be tailored to address the specific needs of young adults living with diabetes and pre-diabetes.
“We are so grateful for Sun Life's renewed partnership to help UHN expand critical diabetes resources,” said Dr. Paul Oh, medical director of the cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation program at UHN.
“Their support will enable us to bring tailored diabetes education and rehabilitation programming to some of our most at-risk populations, communicated in a way that is meaningful and accessible to them.”
In 2015, Sun Life pledged $1 million for five years to establish the Sun Life Diabetes College. In 2020, it renewed its commitment with an additional $600,000 over three years.
As for its partnership with the SickKids Foundation, Sun Life will invest $700,000 over the next three years to support the creation of the BALANCE program.
The BALANCE program is focused on type-2 diabetes prevention and pediatric weight management, utilizing a group-based mental health framework to teach youth how to adopt and sustain healthy habits.
Sun Life’s funding will support program development and implementation in the initial year, followed by scaling the program to 10 partner organizations across Ontario in subsequent years.
“SickKids Foundation is proud to partner with Sun Life on bringing the innovative BALANCE program to life that aims to reduce the risk of type-2 diabetes in vulnerable youth and children through healthy habit building and mental health resilience,” said Stefanie McPherson, interim vice president, corporate and community partnerships at SickKids Foundation.
“With Sun Life's dedication and generous support of our programs and services, we can continue our fight to make every kid a healthy kid.”
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