Posted on December 6, 2012

Verizon Foundation Launches Programs to Address Healthcare Disparities

The Verizon Foundation has announced a $13 million investment in four nonprofit organizations working to improve the quality of and access to health care, reduce healthcare disparities, and enhance chronic disease management.

In collaboration with Verizon Enterprise Solutions, the Children's Health Fund, the Society for Women's Health Research, the National Association of Community Health Centers, and the University of California, San Diego will receive grants and in-kind technology solutions in support of efforts to address the healthcare needs of children, women, and the elderly, who are disproportionately affected by chronic disease.

With 45 percent of the U.S. population living with at least one chronic disease, 75 cents of every healthcare dollar is spent on treating chronic conditions. The program, which is focused on advancing the use of technology to improve self-management of chronic disease, access to care, healthcare quality, and care adherence, will be expanded in 2013 to include additional partnerships.

"For the first time at Verizon we are integrating our technology solutions and philanthropy to accelerate change in healthcare and improve patient outcomes," said Verizon Foundation president Rose Stuckey Kirk. "We are deploying our technology together with behavior modification programs to empower people to take control of their health."