The American Heart Association (AHA) has awarded $75,000 in grants to local entrepreneurs through its EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator program, aiming to combat health disparities in underserved communities. The program, now in its eighth year, focuses on supporting innovative businesses that address social determinants of health and reduce cardiovascular disease risks among people of color.
John Wilcox, founder of Diatech Diabetes in Memphis, Tennessee, received the top grant of $50,000 for his company's development of infusion monitoring software to improve diabetes management. Sandra Saldana of Alva Health in Dallas, Texas, was awarded $12,000 for a wearable device designed to detect early stroke symptoms. An additional $5,000 'fan favorite' award went to Tomas Armendariz of AVaTAR Medtech in San Francisco, California.
These grants represent a significant investment in tackling health inequities that disproportionately affect communities of color. Historically, these populations have faced barriers to accessing basic needs such as healthy food, clean air, quality education, and healthcare, leading to higher rates of cardiovascular disease—the leading cause of death in the United States.
Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association, emphasized the organization's commitment to improving health outcomes: 'Since 2017, the Association, with the support of corporate sponsors, has awarded more than $1.6 million to help accelerate innovation through start-ups and provide needed assistance to social entrepreneurs and organizations addressing the social drivers of health in their local communities.'
The EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator provides not only financial support but also a comprehensive curriculum covering essential business functions. This approach aims to enhance the entrepreneurs' business models and demonstrate the viability of their projects, potentially leading to scalable solutions for community health challenges.
The selection process for the grants was rigorous, with nearly 300 applications narrowed down to 10 finalists. These were evaluated based on their potential health impact, innovation, and scalability. The final showcase involved pitch presentations and real-time feedback from expert advisors, highlighting the program's commitment to fostering practical and effective health solutions.
As the American Heart Association celebrates its centennial, this initiative represents a forward-looking approach to addressing health disparities. By supporting local innovators, the AHA is fostering a new generation of health-focused entrepreneurs whose work could have far-reaching impacts on community health and longevity.
