In recent years it became increasingly difficult to generate the donor support required to sustain the National Heart Foundation program. It was after much thought, deliberation and regret that the Board of Directors of the American Health Assistance Foundation decided to phase out this program. While this was a very worthwhile program designed to fund research and educate the public concerning heart disease and stroke, the level of support generated through fundraising simply was not enough to warrant our continuing the program.
We will, of course, honor this year’s research grant applications and will continue to administer previous awards. The 2007 Scientific Review Committee meeting was held as planned on February 10th in La Jolla, California. The decision of whether AHAF will make any new FY08 call for Applications will be made over the course of the next few months.
If you would like to view our complete list of National Heart Foundation research grants, they are available in PDF format. Research grants awarded in 2007 are listed below.
The American Health Assistance Foundation remains committed to its support of high quality research for Alzheimer's disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma at institutions worldwide.
If you have any questions or would like to obtain information on alternative sources of heart disease information, please contact Ms. Isabel Quiroz at iquiroz@ahaf.org.
Dr. Guy Eakin (geakin@ahaf.org) can answer questions that you have concerning research grants. Dr. Eakin and Ms. Quiroz can also be reached by calling 1-800-437-2423.
We hope you will find the following resources helpful in securing further assistance::
The following organizations are not affiliated with the American Health Assistance Foundation (AHAF). In addition, AHAF does not endorse any particular programs offered by these organizations.
Administration on Aging (AoA): This agency, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is one of the nation's largest providers of home- and community-based care for older persons and their caregivers. The AoA provides home and community-based services to millions of older persons through the programs funded under the Older Americans Act. AoA provides home-delivered meals programs or nutrition services in congregate settings, or transportation, adult day care, legal assistance or health promotion programs. At nursing homes, AoA provides Ombudsmen, who provide an on-going presence monitoring care and conditions and providing a voice for those who are unable to speak for themselves The National Family Caregiver Support Program provides a variety of services to help people who are caring for family members who are chronically ill or who have disabilities . Their phone number is (202) 619-0724. You can access their website at: www.aoa.gov/.
Alliance for Aging Research: The Alliance for Aging Research is a citizen advocacy organization for improving the health and independence of Americans as they age. The goal of the agency is strive to advance science and enhance lives through a variety of activities and initiatives including research, and providing educational efforts and resources to the general public. The Alliance efforts have made aging research a fast growing priority for medical research today as well as conducting surveys and polls about the aging public. Their phone number is (202) 293-2856. You can access their website at: www.agingresearch.org
American Heart Association: The American Heart Association is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to reduce disability and death from cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Their phone number is 1-800-242-8721. You can access their website at: www.americanheart.org/.
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP): This nonprofit membership organization is a good source of information on long-term care options, caregiving, legal and financial planning, Medicare and Medicaid, and legislative issues affecting the elderly. Their phone number is (202) 434-2277. You can access their website at: www.aarp.org.
American Federation for Aging Research: This organization provides the latest information about groundbreaking new aging research tailored for a non-medical audience. Their phone number is (212) 703-9977. You can access their website at: www.afar.org.
Area Agencies on Aging: Check the local phone book under "Aging" in the State Government pages. Each state has an Agency on Aging office located in its capital city. The state agency will refer you to one of its offices in your community. They can make referrals for a wide range of services, including home meal delivery, home health workers, transportation services and caregiver support groups.
Eldercare Locator: This national organization, which is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, offers information and referrals for a wide variety of senior community. These include adult day care, respite for caregivers, transportation, home health care, meals on wheels, assistance with housing and other services available locally. The toll-free number is 1-800-677-1116. You can access their website at: http://www.aoa.dhhs.gov/.
ElderLawAnswers.com: This organization supports seniors, their families and their attorneys in achieving their goals by providing information concerning crucial legal issues facing seniors and a network of highly qualified elder law attorneys nationwide. You can access their website at: www.ElderLawAnswers.com.
FamilyCareAmerica: This organization helps caregivers identify and locate the agencies, institutions, professionals, associations, manufacturers, and vendors that can help with specific needs. You can access their website at: www.familycareamerica.com.
Health Care Professionals: Initially, the best resource for anyone facing health care needs and choices is their attending physician. Some health care providers and services will be covered by Medicare/Medicaid with a physician's referral. Other professionals that might deal with your patient would be a psychiatrist, home health nurse or social worker.
HealthFinder: This website has health-care information for all ages and includes access to online journals, libraries and medical dictionaries. There is the pension search directory and a directory with Spanish words for Social Security Administration terms. You can access their website at: www.healthfinder.gov.
Local/State Health or Social Services Department: They can tell you what services in your state are covered by Medicare and which providers are Medicare/Medicaid certified. This agency should be able to provide information about support/respite services available in your area. Their numbers can be found in the local phone book.
Meals on Wheels: Provides seniors with meal programs. Their website's meal program directory has the largest database of meal programs in the U.S. You can access their website at: www.mealcall.org.
Medicare: Medicare operates a toll-free hotline to answer questions about financial coverage and assists with patient's claims. The toll-free number is 1-800-772-1213. You can access their website at: www.medicare.gov.
National Institute on Aging (NIA): NIA, one of the 25 institutes and centers of the National Institutes of Health, leads a broad scientific effort to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life. NIA conducts research, trains and develops research scientists, and provides resources to the general public. Their phone number is (301) 496-1752. You can access their website at: www.nia.nih.gov.
Resource Directory for Older People: A free directory designed to help older people and their families locate national organizations offering health information, legal aid, self-help programs, educational opportunities, social services, consumer advice, or other assistance. The directory lists over 200 federal agencies, professional societies, private groups, and voluntary programs. Available from National Institute on Aging Information Center, P.O. Box 8057, Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8057, or call toll-free 1-800-222-2225.
Senior Citizens Bureau: The bureau is a free, non-profit community resource for the elderly, children of the elderly and other caregivers, advocates and professionals. Free or low cost services and guidance are available to senior adults. The phone number is 1-866-847-4415. You can access their website at: http://www.seniorcitizensbureau.com/.
Social Security Information Hotline: If you have questions about social security payments or eligibility, this hotline will direct you to the proper office or department. The toll-free number is 1-800-772-1213; website is www.socialsecurity.gov.
The National Council on the Aging: This organization has created a free, easy-to-use service that identifies federal and state assistance programs for older Americans. You can access their website at: www. BenefitsCheckUp.org.
WebMD Heart Health Center: WebMD provides valuable health information, tools for managing your health, and support to those who seek information. You can access the heart disease section of their website at the following address: www.webmd.com/heart/default.htm
National Institute on Aging
The NIA promotes healthy aging by conducting and supporting biomedical, social, and behavioral research and public education. They publish a variety of free information addressing problems concerning aging and health care.
31 Center Drive MSC 2292
Bethesda, MD 20894
Phone: (301) 496-1752
Internet: http://www.nih.gov/nia
Eldercare Locator
This national organization, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, offers information and referrals for a wide variety of services for older people in their communities. These include adult day care, respite for caregivers, transportation, home health care, meals on wheels, assistance with housing and other services available locally.
Toll-free: 1-800-677-1116
Internet: http://www.aoa.dhhs.gov/
Medicare Help Line
They provide information on Medicare, Medicaid, and Medicare's numerous health insurance options. Helpful nursing home information includes patients' rights, and nationwide ombudsman advocacy programs. Medicare operates a toll-free hotline to answer questions about coverage and to get information about a patient's claims.
Toll-free: 1-800-633-4227
Internet: http://www.medicare.gov
The following organizations are not affiliated with the National Heart Foundation (NHF) or the American Health Assistance Foundation (AHAF). In addition, AHAF does not endorse any particular programs offered by any of these organizations.
Benefits Checkup
A program of the National Council on Aging, their website has a free, easy-to-use service that identifies federal and state assistance programs for older Americans.
Partnership for Prescription Assistance
This organization brings together America 's pharmaceutical companies, doctors, other health care providers, patient advocacy organizations and community groups to help qualifying patients who lack prescription coverage get the medicines they need. Its mission is to increase awareness of patient assistance programs and boost enrollment of those who are eligible.
1-888-4PPA-NOW (1-888-477-2669)
www.pparx.org
RxAssist
RxAssist, created by Volunteers in Health Care, is a website that provides visitors with the information necessary to access the pharmaceutical companies' patient assistance programs.
Social Security Administration
Programs and financial support are available to those who are in need of assistance.
1-800-772-1213
www.socialsecurity.gov
Social Workers
Contact a social worker at a local hospital or community for help in identifying resources within the community.
The Hill Burton Program
Hospitals and other health care facilities that receive Hill-Burton funds are obligated to provide free or reduced charge medical care to qualifying individuals. Their website has a directory of participating health care facilities. The program is managed by:
Health Resources and Services Administration
5600 Fishers Lane, Room 16-17
Rockville, MD 20857
(301) 443-5656 or 1-800-492-0329 (free in MD)
www.hrsa.gov/osp/dfcr/index.htm
The Medicine Program
This privately funded program coordinates with doctor to assist patients who do not have insurance coverage for outpatient prescription medications and do not qualify for government programs that provide prescription medications.
P.O. Box 1089
Poplar Bluff , MO 63902-1089
(866) 694-3893
www.themedicineprogram.com
Funding Period: April 1, 2007 – March 31, 2009
Xue-Long Sun, Ph.D.
Cleveland State University
Cleveland, OH
Project: Thrombogenic Site-Directed Antithrombotics
$60,000
Thrombotic diseases such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and thromboembolism are severe with significant morbidity and mortality in the United States. The principle limitation of current antithrombotic therapy is the risk of internal bleeding and hemorrhagic complication. A direct correlation exists between the intensity and site of anticoagulation and severity of bleeding. Thus, there is a need to develop novel therapy to limit the antithrombotic reactions to the inflamed or injured vessel sites. Further, thrombosis and inflammation are biologically inseparable processes and are often intertwined processes that contribute to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In this research, we want to develop an inflamed or injured site-specific antithrombotic/antiinflammatory agent which provide rapid and safe response and intervention to thrombotic and inflammatory process and can avoid systemic hemorrhagic complications in the current antithrombotic therapy. The experiments in this research will provide us important data and clue to develop a powerful approach for treatment and prophylaxis of thrombotic diseases such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and thromboembolism. Ourlong term goal is to develop an inflamed or injured site-specific antithrombotic/antiinflammatory agent, which provide a rapid and safe response and intervention to thrombotic and inflammatory process and can avoid systemic hemorrhagic complications in the current antithrombotic therapy.
Funding Period: April 1, 2007 – March 31, 2008
Bradley, Tram Andresen, Ph.D.
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, MO
Project: Interaction of GRK4 and G Alpha S
$25,000
Polymorphisms in the kinase GRK4 are associated with high blood pressure in humans and these polymorphisms in GRK4y cause high blood pressure in mice. Two of the polymorphisms lie within the RH domain of GRK4y, which interacts with the G-protein Gαs,. The localization of these polymorphisms in the RH domain suggests that there are alterations in the Gαs-GRK4y interaction that lead to high blood pressure. Our previous studies indicate that GRK4y interacts in an atypical manner with Gαs Traditionally, only active G-proteins interact with the RH domain, but in the case of GRK4y both active and inactive Gαs interact with GRK4y. The aim of this proposal is to map the surface of the molecular interaction of Gαs and GRK4y. This will be done through mutation studies of Gαs using other G-proteins that do not interact with GRK4y as the template to determine where on Gαs GRK4y binds. Conversely, these experiments will also indicate where on GRK4y Gαs binds through similar mutation studies using GRK2, which does not interact with Gαs as a template. Information generated form this molecular map can be used to design drugs to inhibit GRK4y as well as begin to understand the changes caused by the polymorphisms.
Kenji Murata, Ph.D.
The Regents of the University of California
Davis, CA
Project: Cardiac Abnormalities Induced by Protein 4.1R Deficiency
$30,000
Protein 4.1R in the red cell membrane is essential to maintain the cell's shape. In other non-cardiac cells it is known that there are functionally related proteins that are slightly different in their amino acid sequences, are generated from a single gene in a tissue-specific and development-specific manner. Using molecular biological methods, we discovered the protein 4.1R unique forms' gene expression in the zebrafish heart, and that their deficiency caused abnormal heart development. The zebrafish is a good model for cardiac development studies over the human model because of their abundant genetic information, and well studied heart-development. We also used histological, biochemical, and molecular biological methods to clarify the effect of 4.1R on the other proteins' interaction supporting the cardiac cell shape and its physiological function caused by this gene deficient. We hypothesize that loss of cardiac function of this protein resulted in the loss of connection between the cell membrane and inner cell structure and loss of signaling pathway through the heart cell membrane leads to the histological and physiological cardiac abnormality. Our intention is to identify the molecular mechanisms of cardiovascular disease development caused by the loss-of-function of protein 4.1R and its related proteins in the heart.
FUNDING PERIOD: APRIL 1, 2006 - MARCH 31, 2007
GRANTS IN EXTENSION
Mark Gerhardt, M.D., Ph.D.
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OH
Project: PKA-phosphorylation of B-2-adrenergic Receptors in CHF
$25,000
Heart failure affects greate than 1 million patients and is a leading cause of illness and death in the U.S. Heart failure is characterized by poor pumping function and changes of molecular machinery (beta-adrenergic receptors) required for a strong heart. The heart does not squeeze well when these receptors fail. A biochemical modification (PKA phosphorylation) to these receptors may allow survival of the heart muscle by permitting the receptors to work in an alternative fashion. Dr. Gerhardt will perform experiments in a sheep model of heart failure that is very similar to the heart failure seen in humans. He will test the hypotheses that PKA phosphorylation of beta-adrenergic receptors increases in heart failure by microscopic examination of experimental heart samples and determine if activation of this alternative pathway results in biochemical changes thought to prevent cell death. This may be very important during heart failure when the heart is beating weakly. The heart muscle may be forced to choose between temporarily improving its function by activating the receptor in the normal method or long-term survival by protecting itself via PKA phosphorylation and working in a different way. A better understanding of this process may lead to new heart failure treatments.