Improving outcomes in underserved communities
October is the opportune time to gear up for the fall holidays. It’s also shaping up to be a month full of ocassions, Now is the time apply for the Health Equity Innovation Challenge.
The Health Equity Innovation Challenge has been brought to Los Angeles by Johnson & Johnson and is a call to local innovators, entrepreneurs, and community-based organizations to apply to win $75,000 in seed funding to further the impact of their innovations. The Challenge will present the opportunity for local changemakers to offer up their ideas regarding the prevention and treatment of illnesses disproportionately affecting communities of color. It will also enhance equitable access to healthcare; stimulate diversity in science, and advocate for more trusted community-based healthcare.
“Los Angeles’ long-standing health disparities need fresh solutions. This locally focused program has the potential to impact communities that were devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic. We encourage organizations and individuals from impacted communities and beyond to apply and help address the issues that made our communities so vulnerable to the pandemic,” says Eddie Martinez, executive director, Latino Equality Alliance with Johnson & Johnson Health Equity Innovation Challenge.
Throughout the last few years, social injustices and inequalities have been at the forefront of conversation amongst communities of color. Johnson & Johnson has been instrumental in attempting to eliminate public health threats due to racial and social injustices by ridding health inequities for people of color.
The Challenge aims to support healthcare solutions developed by local entrepreneurs, start-ups, and community-based organizations that are working to advance health equity among communities of color in Los Angeles as well as Atlanta, Chicago, New York City, and Philadelphia.
The goal of the Challenge is to improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities through solutions that prevent and treat illnesses that disproportionately affect communities of color, enhance equitable access to healthcare, stimulate diversity in science, advocate for more trustworthy community-based healthcare, and promote health equity through community engagement and education.
In addition to the $75,000 dollars in seed funding, selected applicants will receive additional resources and support may include: mentorship from leaders across Johnson & Johnson, access to the Johnson & Johnson Innovation -- JLABS ecosystem, visibility to awardee organization/business/idea via and coordinated communications efforts by Johnson & Johnson. Applications are now open through Nov. 6 of this year, interviews are also available upon request with Eddie Martinez, Executive Director of Latino Equality Alliance.
For more information about the Health Equity Innovation Challenge, visit: https://www.jnj.com/health-equity-innovation-Challenge
