The Aetna Foundation has launched the Healthier World Innovation Challenge, a $4.5 million initiative designed to steer digital health innovation to improve chronic health outcomes in underserved communities.
Six Challenge winners will receive up to $750,000 each over three consecutive years, as well as support from the Aetna Foundation.Six Challenge winners will receive up to $750,000 each over three consecutive years, as well as support from the Aetna Foundation and partner resources to implement their innovation.
“The Challenge will not only award financial support, but will allow us to work hand-in-hand with organizations that are advancing creative solutions to reduce health disparities and improve health outcomes,” said Garth Graham, M.D., MPH, president of the Aetna Foundation.
Just as technology use continues to rapidly increase in underserved communities, there is also an increase in the urgent public health need to address chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
All non-profit and community organizations with 501(c)(3) status and state and local government agencies are eligible to enter the Challenge.“We’ve seen the difference health technology can make among individuals and communities. It’s a proven way to build healthier communities and empower people to take charge of their own health,” Graham added. “Now we are asking organizations to join the Aetna Foundation in creating even more positive ‘disruption’ in the status quo.”
All non-profit and community organizations with 501(c)(3) status and state and local government agencies are eligible to enter the Healthier World Innovation Challenge. Letters of inquiry must be submitted between Jan. 5 and Feb. 16, 2015. Organizations selected to submit a full proposal will be notified on March 20. Organizations interested in entering the challenge can review further details here.
The Challenge is part of a larger, three-year digital health commitment by the Aetna Foundation to help address public health concerns. With the addition of the Challenge, the Aetna Foundation’s commitment to digital health will now total $5.7 million between 2014 and 2016.