Each year, the Boston Scientific Foundation awards financial grants to non-profit organizations that offer health services for economically disadvantaged populations throughout the United States. This fall, the Foundation awarded 22 grants totaling over $490,000 to non-profits across California, Georgia, Indiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Texas and Puerto Rico.

The goal: to maximize the impact of funding by supporting organizations that already work within their communities as trusted healthcare providers. Boston Scientific Foundation health grants are earmarked for evidence-based programs that address non-communicable chronic health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease or gastrointestinal disorders by improving access and quality of care for those in need.

Grantees are selected following a competitive review process, including evaluation by nearly 100 employee volunteers who serve as Foundation Ambassadors. In particular, reviewers look for programs that can show measurable improvements in participants' health and quality of life, such as better-managed blood pressure or fewer emergency room visits.

They also consider a program's scalability (if successful, could it be expanded to serve even more people in the future?) as well as cost effectiveness (how many people in need can be served in a meaningful way with the funds?).

Among this year's recipients is Hope Healthcare Services in Indiana, whose Hope Chronic Health Program: Managing Diabetes and Beyond provides education, resources and care coordination for uninsured individuals. "We are incredibly grateful to the Boston Scientific Foundation for the support of our mission," said Cliff Sweazey, Executive Director. "This grant will make a significant difference in our ability to serve uninsured individuals managing diabetes and other chronic health conditions."

Another grantee, Salud Integral en la Montaña in Puerto Rico, received funding for its Remote Blood Pressure Monitoring Program. The initiative empowers patients in rural communities to manage hypertension with the help of technology.

"This project allows for follow-up on patients with uncontrolled hypertension outside the healthcare center, using connected devices that securely transmit their readings," says Francisco Beltrán, vice president and chief medical officer. "It also promotes patient education on self-care and proper management of their condition. Altogether, it will help reduce cardiovascular complications and improve the patient's quality of life."

The Foundation health grants can have a significant effect on communities in need - and they profoundly affect the Boston Scientific employees who help bestow them each year. "It's amazing to hear about what an impact these organizations are making and how the Boston Scientific Foundation, as well as we, individually, can help," says Autumn Wonderlich, Foundation Ambassador for the Minnesota region. "I'm so thrilled each time one of the grants I reviewed is approved - it's great to give back to my own community."

Learn more about the Boston Scientific Foundation and how it's working to expand access to quality healthcare and education.