Atrium Health Foundation Receives $1.8 Million in Grants from The Duke Endowment to Support Atrium Health Community Health Initiatives
CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 21, 2018 – Atrium Health Foundation announced today that it has received three grants totaling $1.8 million from The Duke Endowment to support Atrium Health in addressing population health and improving access to cardiac care and pediatric dental care.
The largest of the three grants – $1.1 million – will fund the Perfect Care: Personalized Cardiac Care and Collaborative, a novel initiative that Atrium Health’s Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute will pilot in six hospitals within its network. The initiative aims to improve patient access and education, as well as eliminate disparities in follow-up cardiac care after surgery. It will be the first of its kind, nationally, focused on engaging patients and their families through remote telemonitoring. It is the largest single grant The Duke Endowment has ever awarded to the Foundation.
Also, a $480,000 grant will support new “food pharmacies” operated by the ONE Charlotte Health Alliance, a collaboration between Atrium Health, Novant Health and the Mecklenburg County Health Department. With support from The Duke Endowment, the program will expand to include two clinic-based emergency food pharmacies and two refrigerated food vehicles, creating a comprehensive food assistance option for economically challenged areas of the community, a key element in maintaining the health of at-risk populations.
The Department of Oral Medicine at Carolinas Medical Center will also receive a $200,000 boost to integrate dental care into Levine Children’s Hospital. Funding will support a pediatric dentist who will both promote preventive oral health and ensure that patients who have lacked access to dental care, especially those with special medical needs or chronic health issues, receive optimal dental care.
“Our mission, to improve health, elevate hope and advance healing – for all, continues to come to life through the heart of philanthropy,” said Gene Woods, President and CEO of Atrium Health. “I know our teammates and our patients are grateful to The Duke Endowment for the special role they play in helping us to extend care beyond the walls of our facilities and into the communities we are privileged to serve.”
“This is an important opportunity for us to come together to determine the best ways to serve those in need,” Duke Endowment Director of Health Care Lin Hollowell said. “By focusing on innovative programs and interventions, we can set our sights on making a transformative impact in the region.”
Over the last three decades, The Duke Endowment has proven to be a substantial and visionary supporter of healthcare initiatives in the Carolinas and has provided nearly $20 million in grants to Atrium Health Foundation.
“Awareness and access to innovative treatment options can make a tremendous difference in the lives of our at-risk populations,” said Alisahah Cole, MD, vice president and system medical director of Community Health for Atrium. “Philanthropy, through partnerships with organizations like The Duke Endowment, helps ensure that patients in our communities, regardless of where they live or their socio-economic status, have access to world-class care.”
About The Duke Endowment
The Duke Endowment is one of the nation’s largest private foundations, with assets of $3.5 billion.
Since 1924, the organization has worked to help people and strengthen communities in North Carolina and South Carolina by nurturing children, promoting health, educating minds and enriching spirits.
About Atrium Health
Atrium Health, previously Carolinas HealthCare System, one of the nation’s leading and most innovative healthcare organizations, provides a full spectrum of healthcare and wellness programs throughout North and South Carolina. Its diverse network of care locations includes academic medical centers, hospitals, freestanding emergency departments, physician practices, surgical and rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, nursing homes and behavioral health centers, as well as hospice and palliative care services. Atrium Health works to enhance the overall health and well-being of its communities through high quality patient care, education and research programs, and numerous collaborative partnerships and initiatives.
Atrium Health Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Atrium Health.
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Contact:
Kirstin Ashford
(704) 907-3778
Kirstin.Ashford@atriumhealth.org