GE Foundation Expands Commitment to Increasing Access to Healthcare with New Pilot Programs in Four Regions

• GE Foundation increases its commitment to Developing Health™ in Chicago, Houston, Louisville and Los Angeles to nearly $5.5 Million

• Expands program’s impact on over one million people at more than 100 health centers

• Developing Health new Community Health Center (CHC) pilot reaches across 23 centers

• Programs address cardiovascular disease, immunization, asthma and reducing ‘no-show’ rates

FAIRFIELD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– More than 60 million Americans — nearly one in five — lack adequate access to primary care in their communities¹. To respond to this challenge in 2009 the GE Foundation launched GE‘s Developing Health U.S., a multi-year $50 million program focused on cities where GE has a significant business presence. As of this year, the program has reached more than 30 cities, and includes more than 100 health centers, with a total investment of $37.4 million.

Today, the GE Foundation is further expanding its commitment by partnering with local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to launch new pilot programs in Chicago, IL; Houston, TX; Louisville, KY; and Los Angeles, CA. Each pilot program addresses a region-specific health issue such as heart disease and diabetes, childhood immunization, asthma and respiratory disease management, and patient compliance and retention.

“GE recognizes there is a critical need in the U.S. healthcare system and Developing Health seeks to fill the gap in access to quality care for underserved communities. With the help of health centers and key community partners,” said Bob Corcoran, president of GE Foundation, “these grants will help to break down barriers to access and reduce the suffering of families dealing with chronic and too often debilitating disease.”

These pilot programs will address a variety of pressing health issues in under-served regions:

• In Chicago, the program focuses on evidence-based interventions for cardiovascular disease risk. Program interventions will include community-based health screenings, outreach, referrals to Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), and follow-up and educational programs. The pilot will roll-out in conjunction with LISC Chicago and the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University in five health centers. GE Foundation will invest $250,000 over the next 12 months, bringing the Foundation’s total investment in health programs in the Chicago area to $1.5 million.
• In Houston, GE Foundation has collaborated with the Immunization Partnership and Partners for Community Health to …read more
  Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance