Social Entrepreneurs Honored for Innovative Health Solutions

The American Heart Association celebrated two social entrepreneurs at its annual Impact with Heart awards, recognizing innovative solutions targeting addiction recovery and pulmonary health monitoring. OxiWear and Sober Sidekick were honored for developing groundbreaking digital health technologies that address significant healthcare challenges.

OxiWear, based in Arlington, Virginia, received recognition for its FDA-approved medical wearable device that provides continuous, real-time oxygen monitoring and emergency alerts for individuals with pulmonary conditions. The device was developed by founder Shavini Fernando after her personal experience with severe pulmonary hypertension.

Sober Sidekick, headquartered in Marina Del Ray, California, was acknowledged for its digital health engagement platform using an "Empathy Algorithm" to provide peer support for individuals recovering from addiction. Founded by Chris Thompson during his own recovery journey, the platform has supported over 341,000 people to date.

These innovations are particularly significant given recent American Heart Association statistics revealing increasing health risk factors like obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes, especially among underrepresented communities. The Impact with Heart awards represent a strategic approach to addressing health disparities by supporting entrepreneurial solutions that can scale meaningful change.

The awards are part of the American Heart Association's broader mission to drive equitable health outcomes and support community-based solutions that reduce social and economic barriers to healthcare access. By investing in and recognizing such innovative approaches, the organization aims to accelerate the development and adoption of transformative health technologies.