LINCOLN HEIGHTS, OH -- In an effort to increase access to quality healthcare for underserved populations across the United States, GE announced today that its "Developing Health" initiative is coming to Cincinnati, awarding grants and providing employee support to three local community health centers. "Developing Health" is a 3-year, $25 million program that combines GE Foundation funding with GE employee engagement to select community health centers across the country, starting with GE communities.
As part of the Developing Health launch in Cincinnati, the GE Foundation has awarded a total of $750,000 in grants to three Greater Cincinnati health centers: Winton Hills Medical and Health Center, Inc., Lincoln Heights Health Center, and Mt. Healthy Family Practice Center. Each of these community health centers will receive a two-year, $250,000 grant, to help the center increase access to preventative and primary care, and dental services.
In addition to the grants, GE will support these community health centers with employee resources that will provide best practice sharing around management expertise, administrative assistance and other functional capabilities to improve operations. The "Developing Health" program was designed by the GE Foundation and the GE Corporate Diversity Council and is aligned with GE's 'healthymagination' initiative, which aims to bring better health to more people. Initially launched in October 2009 with four clinics in New York City's metro area, the program has since expanded to Milwaukee, Houston, and now Cincinnati.
GE announced the Cincinnati program launch during a ceremony held at the Lincoln Heights Health Center. "GE is committed to the valuable services these centers provide," said David Joyce, GE Aviation president and CEO. "We are proud to be a part of the 'Developing Health' initiative. It is in perfect alignment with our vision to help more people live longer, healthier lives."
The Lincoln Heights Health Center is Ohio's oldest federally funded health center, opening its doors in 1967. Along with the Mt. Healthy Family Practice Center, the Lincoln Heights facility is a component of the region's HealthCare Connection, which serves 19 communities outside the City of Cincinnati. Winton Hills Medical and Health Center, a part of the WinMed Health Services Network, will celebrate its 35th anniversary this year.
"Our partnership with these Cincinnati health centers is a great illustration of the positive impact that the Developing Health program can make by combining funding with the volunteer support of GE's people," said Bob Corcoran, president of GE Foundation.
The "Developing Health" program builds on the success of the existing Developing Health Globally (DHG) program. Launched in Africa in 2004 with the support of the GE Foundation and GE's Affinity Networks, DHG now extends to 14 countries across Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia. DHG aims to improve access to quality healthcare for some of the world's most vulnerable populations. DHG uses GE core competencies including technology, expertise and employee engagement to offer sustainable "enterprise solutions" to address some of the critical gaps that exist in developing-world healthcare facilities. For more information on Developing Health Globally, visit: http://www.ge.com/citizenship/performance_areas/communities_philanthropy_health.jsp.
About GE
GE (NYSE: GE) is a diversified infrastructure, finance and media company taking on the world's toughest challenges. From aircraft engines and power generation to financial services, health care solutions, and television programming, GE operates in more than 100 countries and employs about 300,000 people worldwide.
Our "healthymagination" vision for the future invites the world to join us on our journey as we continuously develop innovations focused on reducing costs, increasing access and improving quality and efficiency around the world. Healthymagination is a $6 billion commitment that was launched in May 2009.