May 30, 2007
Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation > Media Room > May 30, 2007

Sun Life Financial helps create South Asian Cardiac Education Program

Surrey, B.C. – Surrey Memorial Hospital will create a cardiac education program tailored to its Punjabi speaking patients, following a $100,000 donation by Sun Life Financial to Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation.

The South Asian Cardiac Education Program, a pilot project which is expected to be launched by the end of this year, will be based on the hospital’s current Cardiac Rehab Education Program and will be offered to Punjabi speaking patients who have had a recent heart attack, heart surgery, or angioplasty.

“Residents of South Asian descent are a high-risk group for heart disease,” says Dr. Stephen Pearce, head of cardiology at Surrey Memorial Hospital. “Research shows the South Asian population is two to three times more likely to die from heart disease than others. It also affects them at a younger age.”

The South Asian Cardiac Education Program will offer a series of sessions on topics of importance to heart patients. “We see a number of patients who speak Punjabi but not English,” notes Dr. Pearce. “This program will ensure they still get the information they need to improve their health.”

“Sun Life Financial has really come through to ensure this important program can be launched,” says Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation President/CEO Jane Adams. “This is a significant contribution, which will help people lead healthier lives.”

Sun Life Financial is a leading international financial services organization providing a diverse range of protection and wealth accumulation products and services to individuals and corporate customers. Chartered in 1865, Sun Life Financial and its partners today have operations in key markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China and Bermuda. As of March 31, 2007, the Sun Life Financial group of companies had total assets under management of CDN$446 billion.

Since 1992, Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation has raised more than $45 million to support the hospital with equipment, programs, and research. On April 19th, 2007, the Foundation launched its $15 million Emergency Centre Campaign. The B.C. government has committed to funding the essentials of a replacement to Surrey Memorial Hospital’s current E.R. – the busiest in B.C. The Foundation’s $15-million campaign will ensure the new Emergency Centre is state-of-the-art. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2008.

-30-

For more information or interviews, contact:
Jason Howe
Media Relations Manager
Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation
604-585-5666 ext 8284
cell: 604-613-6873
jason.howe[at]fraserhealth.ca
www.smhfoundation.com