In an effort to combat the disproportionate impact of cardiovascular disease on Black communities, the American Heart Association has launched a pioneering challenge aimed at nurturing health tech entrepreneurs from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This initiative seeks to address longstanding health disparities by fostering innovative solutions that improve social determinants of health, enhance cardiovascular well-being, and promote healthier environments. The program's first recipient, Shadrach Igwe, founder of CerTracker LLC, was awarded a $10,000 grant to further develop his digital credential management platform, which aims to streamline healthcare professional compliance and onboarding.
The Heart of Innovation HBCU Challenge: Driving Change Through Community-Led Solutions
In the heart of a season marked by change and progress, the American Heart Association introduced the Heart of Innovation HBCU Challenge, focusing on empowering the next generation of health tech entrepreneurs. This initiative specifically targets the urgent need to address the alarming rates of cardiovascular disease within Black communities, where over 57% of non-Hispanic Black adults suffer from some form of this condition. The challenge seeks to cultivate innovative solutions that not only tackle the root causes of these health disparities but also promote sustainable improvements in community health outcomes.
On a significant day in February 2025, Shadrach Igwe, an alumnus of Langston University in Oklahoma, emerged as the first recipient of a $10,000 grant. His company, CerTracker LLC, developed a digital platform designed to simplify credential management for healthcare professionals, thereby reducing administrative burdens and enhancing workforce efficiency. This award is part of a broader commitment to support entrepreneurs who can create lasting change through technology and innovation.
Earlier this year, five finalists were selected to participate in a rigorous four-week accelerator program. During this period, they received mentorship and training from industry experts to refine their business models and value propositions. The final showcase, held virtually on February 24, 2025, saw these innovators present their groundbreaking ideas, competing for the top grant. Each finalist brought unique perspectives and solutions, reflecting the diverse needs of underserved communities:
- Core Futures Innovations: Dorothy Oteng, an alumna from Howard University, focuses on developing culturally sensitive, data-driven technologies to empower marginalized populations.
- JiLuna: Shonta Williams and Michele Dugar, alumnae from Hampton University, offer personalized digital tools to assist women in managing menopausal symptoms.
- StoneFaced RX: Silver Horsley, an alumnus from Morehouse College, created a tele-dermatology platform providing equitable, personalized skin and hair care solutions.
- Zuri Fertility: Blair Matthews, an alumnus from Howard University, built a digital platform connecting couples to culturally competent fertility specialists and mental health therapists.
Through this challenge, the American Heart Association reaffirms its dedication to fostering the next generation of changemakers in equitable health. By investing in entrepreneurs from HBCUs, the organization aims to create meaningful and lasting improvements in health outcomes for all.
As a journalist covering this event, it is inspiring to see how the Heart of Innovation HBCU Challenge bridges the gap between innovation and community empowerment. This initiative highlights the importance of addressing health disparities through culturally relevant solutions, ensuring that those most affected have a voice in shaping the future of healthcare. It serves as a reminder that true innovation comes from understanding and addressing the lived experiences of marginalized communities, leading to more effective and sustainable health interventions.
A groundbreaking study published today in JAMA Health Forum has revealed significant disparities in out-of-pocket expenses for maternity care among different racial and ethnic groups. The research, conducted by scholars from the University of Maryland School of Public Health (UMD SPH) and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, examined over 87,000 cases of pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum care from 2018 to 2022. It found that Black, Hispanic, and Asian individuals with private insurance tend to incur higher personal costs compared to their white counterparts. This disparity is most pronounced during prenatal care, where Black individuals paid significantly more, highlighting another layer of inequality in maternal healthcare.
Study Details Reveal Stark Differences in Maternity Care Expenses
In a comprehensive analysis spanning five years, researchers scrutinized anonymized data from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA). They discovered that Black, Hispanic, and Asian individuals faced disproportionately higher out-of-pocket costs for maternity care services. Specifically, during prenatal care, Black individuals paid an average of 74% more, while Hispanic individuals paid 51% more, and Asian individuals paid 4% more than whites. These differences were less pronounced but still notable during delivery and postpartum periods.
The financial burden was particularly significant for Black and Hispanic families, as these costs represented a larger share of their household income. Dr. Rebecca Gourevitch, lead author of the study and assistant professor at UMD SPH, emphasized that these findings underscore the urgent need to address inequities in healthcare access and affordability. She noted that coinsurance rates—where patients pay a percentage of medical costs after meeting their deductibles—are a major driver of these disparities, especially for high-cost services like hospital deliveries.
Dr. Mark Friedberg, senior vice president of performance measurement and improvement at BCBSMA, highlighted the importance of this study in understanding the root causes of longstanding inequities in maternal health outcomes. The insights gained could inform policy changes aimed at making healthcare more equitable for all pregnant individuals.
Anna Sinaiko, senior author and associate professor at Harvard’s TH Chan School of Public Health, pointed out that eliminating out-of-pocket costs for maternity care, as proposed in some states, could have a substantial impact on reducing these disparities. Such policies would particularly benefit Black and Hispanic communities, who currently bear the highest costs.
The study's authors conclude that there is a clear opportunity for health insurance companies, employers, and policymakers to collaborate in designing more equitable health insurance plans that lower out-of-pocket expenses for pregnant and postpartum individuals.
This research underscores the critical role of systemic changes in addressing healthcare inequalities. By shedding light on these financial disparities, it calls for proactive measures to ensure that all individuals receive equitable and affordable maternal care, regardless of their racial or ethnic background.
In a significant development in pediatric healthcare, recent research highlights the critical need to reassess diagnostic practices for asthma in children. A groundbreaking study published in JAMA Network Open on February 28, 2025, reveals that traditional race-specific equations used in diagnosing lung function may inadvertently disadvantage Black children. These outdated methods can lead to under-diagnosis and delayed treatment, affecting long-term health outcomes.
The current diagnostic process for asthma involves multiple steps, starting with symptom reporting by caregivers or medical professionals. Children then undergo pulmonary function tests, which measure lung capacity using spirometers. These devices calculate expected lung function based on age, sex, body size, and race. However, this approach stems from flawed historical studies that inaccurately assumed racial differences in lung function. Consequently, these assumptions have led to adjustments in lung function calculations, potentially skewing results and perpetuating health disparities.
The introduction of new race-neutral equations by the Global Lung Initiative (GLI) Network in 2022 aims to rectify this issue. The updated equations eliminate race as a variable, providing a more equitable assessment of lung function. The study, led by Wan Chi Chang, MS, demonstrated that the race-neutral equation identified significantly more Black children with reduced lung function compared to the traditional race-specific method. This shift could ensure earlier and more accurate diagnoses, leading to timely interventions and better health outcomes for affected children.
Embracing the race-neutral equation is not just a step forward in medical practice; it is a commitment to justice and equality in healthcare. By adopting these updated guidelines universally, healthcare providers can address longstanding disparities and improve asthma diagnosis and treatment for all children. This change underscores the importance of continuous evaluation and adaptation in medical practices to ensure equitable care for every patient.