The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) has selected eight health centers to participate in this year’s Innovation Incubator, focused on improving health equity through access to nutritious foods.
Now in its second year, Innovation Incubator awardees will pitch innovative ideas to help healthcare facilities across the country improve access to nutritious foods as part of a healthy lifestyle for their patients, regardless of their zip code or ability to pay for healthcare services.
Projects include work in a variety of areas, from creating community gardens and providing nutritional education to providing pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses with the personalized nutrition they need.
The eight health centers receiving funding from NACHC and its partner Abbott through the 2024 Innovation Incubator initiative include:
• Affinia Healthcare, St. Louis
• Asian Health Services, Oakland, California.
• Cabin Creek Health Systems, Charleston, West Virginia.
• Delaware Valley Community Health, Philadelphia
• White House Clinics, Richmond, Ky.
• Mainline Health Systems, Inc., Monticello, Ark.
• Tri-Area Community Health, Laurel Fork, Virginia.
• Urban Health Plan, New York
These health centers will develop and test new solutions over six months, bringing the unique perspectives, experiences, and challenges of their communities to the fore. The centers will receive support from subject matter experts from diverse fields through individualized guidance and mentoring to help design and implement their projects.
“Food insecurity severely impacts the health of under-invested communities,” said NACHC President and CEO Kyu Rhee, M.D., MPP, in a statement. “We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with Abbott for a second year as a partner of choice to create innovative solutions for population health. As the nation’s largest primary care network, the health centers’ highly effective and innovative integrated care model goes beyond the walls of the traditional exam room to not only prevent disease, but also address social factors that can cause health problems. Our focus this year is on creating sustainable and effective strategies that solve food challenges and improve nutrition.”
“Nutritious foods are essential for good health, but too often they are not available to people who need them,” said Melissa Brotz, president of the Abbott Fund and vice president of Global Marketing and External Affairs for Abbott, in a statement. “We are excited to work alongside NACHC and community health centers across the country to generate innovative and practical ideas to improve food access, nutrition education and health services to help people live healthier lives.”
Each center will receive $30,000 and have the opportunity to win one of two additional recognition awards at a live competitive presentation session in fall 2024. NACHC will share results with 1,400 health centers nationwide, informing the care of more than 31 million patients.
“In response to increased rates of food insecurity and chronic diseases that can be better managed through healthier diets, Urban Health Plan and many of our community partners in the Bronx have prioritized making healthy foods accessible to residents through food pantries, farmers markets, and regular food distribution events,” Paloma Izquierdo-Hernandez, president and CEO of Urban Health Plan, said in a statement. “That’s why we’re excited to be a part of the Innovation Incubator. We’re planning to bring in local chefs to help educate our community on how to prepare healthier meals with a focus on affordable, culturally relevant foods that can be found locally. With support from Abbott and NACHC, our goal is to help our neighbors with chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension eat better and healthier.”
