American Heart Association Awards $75,000 to Entrepreneurs Tackling Health Disparities

The American Heart Association (AHA) has taken a significant step in addressing health disparities by awarding $75,000 to local entrepreneurs through its EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator program. This initiative, now in its eighth year, aims to support innovative businesses that are working to improve health outcomes in underserved communities.

The program's focus on health inequities is particularly crucial given the higher rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among people of color in under-resourced areas. These communities often face barriers to basic needs such as healthy food, clean air, quality education, and healthcare, which can significantly impact their health and longevity.

John Wilcox, founder of Diatech Diabetes in Memphis, Tennessee, received the largest grant of $50,000. His company is developing infusion monitoring software to detect insulin infusion failure, potentially improving diabetes management for many patients. Sandra Saldana of Alva Health in Dallas, Texas, was awarded $12,000 for her work on a wearable device that uses AI to monitor stroke symptoms and initiate emergency calls. An additional $5,000 was granted to Tomas Armendariz of AVaTAR Medtech in San Francisco, California, as the 'fan favorite' determined by public vote.

These grants represent more than just financial support; they are an investment in innovative solutions to longstanding health challenges. The EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator provides entrepreneurs with essential business training, including design thinking, market positioning, and fundraising strategies. This comprehensive approach aims to enhance the viability and scalability of these health-focused ventures.

The impact of this program extends beyond the individual grant recipients. Since 2017, the AHA has awarded over $1.6 million to accelerate innovation and support social entrepreneurs addressing social determinants of health in their communities. This sustained effort demonstrates the AHA's commitment to fostering grassroots solutions to complex health issues.

The selection process for these grants was rigorous, with nearly 300 applications narrowed down to ten finalists. These finalists were evaluated based on their potential to impact health equity barriers, as well as the strength of their business models. The judging panel included experts from various sectors, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of each project's potential.

This initiative by the AHA is particularly significant in the context of the organization's centennial celebration. As the AHA marks 100 years of saving lives, this program represents a forward-looking approach to tackling health disparities. By empowering local innovators, the AHA is fostering a new generation of health solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of underserved communities.

The EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator highlights the critical role that entrepreneurship and innovation can play in addressing complex health challenges. By supporting these local businesses, the AHA is not only investing in potential solutions to health inequities but also in the economic development of underserved communities.

As these entrepreneurs continue to develop and scale their innovations, the potential impact on community health could be substantial. From improving diabetes management to early stroke detection, these technologies and services have the potential to save lives and improve health outcomes in communities that have historically been underserved by the healthcare system.

The AHA's approach of combining financial support with business education and mentorship provides a model for how large organizations can effectively support grassroots innovation in healthcare. This program demonstrates that addressing health disparities requires not just medical interventions, but also support for the entrepreneurs and innovators working at the community level.

As health disparities continue to be a pressing issue in the United States, initiatives like the EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator play a crucial role in fostering innovative, community-driven solutions. By supporting these local entrepreneurs, the AHA is helping to build a more equitable health landscape for the future.