Heart Foundation and ProCare: strengthening the ties

Published: 27 May 2024

The Heart Foundation will strengthen ties with New Zealand’s largest Primary Health Organisation, ProCare, to help stop New Zealanders dying prematurely from heart disease and to help those with heart disease live longer, healthier lives.

Clive Nelson, Chief Executive of the Heart Foundation says: “For too long New Zealanders have been dying too early from heart-related diseases. Together we can work collaboratively using our shared strengths to educate and empower our communities, particularly Māori, Pacific and South Asian people, who are disproportionately affected by heart disease.

“We know that particularly for our Māori and Pacific whānau, encompassing mental, physical, spiritual, and cultural wellbeing is key to creating lasting, long-term impact. We’re excited to see where this work will take us and what we can achieve together.”

Together, ProCare and the Heart Foundation will focus on:

• Sharing heart health information, research, expertise and connections
• Working collaboratively to positively impact health outcomes and reduce the risk of heart-related disease. 

Bindi Norwell, ProCare Group CEO, says: “Informally, our relationship with the Heart Foundation spans many years, from supporting with events, sharing knowledge and resources, to working together on campaigns. Coming together is a natural next step, and one that we are very excited to celebrate!

“We’re particularly looking forward to having additional support at community events, going directly to our community and providing education, resources and friendly kōrero to empower patients to live a healthy lifestyle,” concludes Norwell. 

About ProCare

ProCare is a leading healthcare provider that aims to deliver the most progressive, pro-active and equitable health and wellbeing services in Aotearoa. We do this through our clinical support services, mental health and wellness services, virtual/tele health, mobile health, smoking cessation and by taking a population health and equity approach to our mahi. As New Zealand’s largest Primary Health Organisation, we represent a network of general practice teams and healthcare professionals who provide care to more than 830,000 people across Auckland and Northland. These practices serve the largest Pacific and South Asian populations enrolled in general practice and the largest Māori population in Tāmaki Makaurau. For more information go to www.procare.co.nz