Partnerships

In 2007, the American Health Assistance Foundation (AHAF) partnered with the American Heart Association (AHA) by awarding $896,000 to fund six promising young cardiovascular researchers. This grant money had been part of AHAF’s National Heart Foundation, a program that had to be closed due to lack of donations. However, AHAF was able to fulfill a promise to generous supporters and continue this important work by offering these funds to AHA. AHAF and AHA are also cooperating on a joint public education effort centered on the relationship between cardiovascular disease and glaucoma, macular degeneration and Alzheimer’s disease. In the spring of 2008, the two organizations distributed a “tip card” (including a magnet) with information on heart disease and eye disease. The back of the card features an Amsler grid and a blood pressure tracker which can be placed in a convenient spot in the home. A more comprehensive publication is being developed..

In 2008, AHAF also began a partnership with a non-profit organization called MD Support. Through its website and print publications, MD Support offers guidance for people wanting to start low vision support groups in retirement communities worldwide. Membership in the International Macular Degeneration Support Group (IMDSG) is free, as is all information provided. This includes monthly newsletters on the latest medical developments, internet presentations on eye care and low vision, and email messages, all of which are designed to help cope with low vision. There are currently over 150 IMDSG member groups representing more than 2400 people around the world. As MD Support’s partner, AHAF is helping to contact more people about initiating and maintaining support groups. AHAF also serves as a resource for more information about macular degeneration and glaucoma. Finally, MD Support encourages interested individuals to donate to the Macular Degeneration Research program of AHAF.