American Heart Association and BNSF Railroad Foundation inject $420,000 to Houston-area organizations to improve health disparities
HOUSTON, April 25, 2024 — The American Heart Association celebrates 100 years of life-saving work and, as part of its ongoing efforts to sustainably address social causes and make a positive impact, the Social Impact Fund distributed $420,000 to three local social enterprises across the Houston metropolitan area. About health. Her $1.5 million gift from the BNSF Railroad Foundation supported the first-ever disbursement from the association's Social Impact Fund to local Houston entrepreneurs.
- Betterleave is a digital health platform that partners with organizations to centralize workplace bereavement care and improve access, experience and outcomes for collaborative care and clinical mental health services. Dealing with the death of a loved one is a major stressor that can negatively impact all risk factors for heart disease, including sleep schedules, exercise habits, diet, and smoking status.
- ProUnitas is a technology platform that works with Title I schools to develop systems that address basic needs across the social drivers of health. By connecting students to the resources they need, all children can benefit from a more equal opportunity to reach their full potential.
- NextOp connects veterans and military personnel with career opportunities, helping them bridge the gap between military service and apply their diverse skills and talents to civilian industries seeking a diverse and skilled workforce. Veterans often have difficulty transferring the skills they gained during military service to the private sector, which can lead to underemployment.
“For entrepreneurs and small businesses, a lack of capital can hinder their success and growth,” said Heather Butcher, vice president of community impact at the American Heart Association in Houston. “Social Impact Funds provide critical funding to enable community-driven organizations to create scalable solutions so that everyone has the same opportunity to live a fulfilling and healthy life. We will provide funding.”
This multi-year financial support established the BNSF Rail Fund, which is committed to funding additional opportunities throughout Southeast Texas through 2025.
“Companies supported by the American Heart Association Social Impact Fund will demonstrate the innovation and creativity needed to reduce barriers to health equity and improve the quality of life in our communities,” said Zach Andersen, president of the BNSF Railroad Foundation. It reflects that.” “The BNSF Rail Fund is committed to ensuring our communities thrive, and we look forward to helping these and other organizations in Southeast Texas accelerate their work through this infusion of support.”
Since 2018, the American Heart Association's Social Impact Fund, including the Bernard J. Tyson Impact Fund, has provided financial support to more than 130 for-profit and nonprofit companies addressing key social drivers of health across the United States. I did. Social impact funds seek to proactively address all the factors that can deeply impact cardiovascular health, including health equity, access to quality health care, food insecurity, and economic empowerment. We invest in organizations that The Social Impact Fund provides funding to help startups achieve sustainability, scale, and spread locally and nationally.
additional resources
###
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is constantly working to help the world live longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with countless organizations and the power of millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for public health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. In 2024, our 100th anniversary, we celebrate our rich 100 years of history and achievements. As we move into his second century of bold discovery and impact, our vision is to promote health and hope for everyone, everywhere. heart.org, Facebook, X Or call 1-800-AHA-USA1.
Media inquiries:
Katharine Perrow, katharine.perrow@heart.org
Dion Bart, dion.bart@heart.org
General inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
