MORGANTOWN, W.VA., October 27, 2022 – West Virginia has the highest prevalence of overall cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease and heart attacks in the nation1. Through its Social Impact Fund, the American Heart Association is committing $220,000 for community-led social and economic solutions to improve the cardiovascular health of Morgantown, West Virginia residents.

This round of funding is part of a $1 million grant from First Energy Foundation’s four-year “Investing with Purpose” initiative aimed to help communities served by FirstEnergy’s electric companies. Morgantown, West Virginia is the second community to receive FirstEnergy funding following Reading, Pennsylvania in 2021.

Morgantown area businesses and organizations working to address economic empowerment, healthy food access, housing, recidivism, access to quality healthcare, transportation and educational opportunities are invited to submit formal expressions of interest for funding at https://heart-impactfund.fluxx.io/ from Monday, Oct. 24 through Friday, Nov. 18, 2022.

An informational “town hall” will be held on Thursday, Nov. 3 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. ET where community members will discuss local challenges and opportunities related to health equity in Morgantown with American Heart Association staff to ensure available funds can be focused to address the greatest local needs. To join the online discussion, register at https://bit.ly/3RZ33Y4.

“This infusion of funding will help the Morgantown community work together toward better health and well-being,” said Michelle Loehr, executive director for the American Heart Association in West Virginia. “We realize that for many entrepreneurs and local startups, a lack of access to immediate and substantial funding are barriers to their success and growth. This funding opportunity will give them the ability to launch sustainable solutions through growing their businesses all while improving the health of our community.”

Applicants for the Social Impact Fund can be at any business stage and can be non-profit or for-profit social entrepreneurs. A governance committee comprised of American Heart Association volunteers and executives review all investment recommendations looking for three key things - demonstrated ability to drive change in under-resourced communities, an organic connection to the community itself and an ability to scale for maximum health impact.

“The programs enabled by the American Heart Association’s Social Impact Funds are a perfect complement to the FirstEnergy Foundation’s ‘Investing with Purpose’ initiative which was designed to address health, financial and educational hardships in under-resourced populations across our service territory,” said Lorna Wisham, president, FirstEnergy Foundation. “We are excited to collaborate with the American Heart Association and the non-profits and community organizations in Morgantown to help transform the lives of families and create a healthier and more vibrant community.”

Since its launch in 2018 and initial community investments in 2019, the American Heart Association’s Social Impact Funds have invested in nearly 100 local social enterprises in 16 cities across the country. Learn more about the American Heart Association Social Impact Funds here.

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Additional Resources

About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.  

For Media Inquiries:
Kevin Pauley: 304-444-6494,kevin.pauley@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org

 

1 West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Bureau for Public Health | Division of Health Promotion and Chronic Disease (Fast Facts 2018)