AAFP Foundation Grants in Action
by Chad Spain, MD, FAAFP
I’ve been fortunate enough to be the recipient of three Family Medicine Chapter Alliance Grant Awards (formerly AAFP Philanthropic Family Medicine Consortium Grants) in the past five years that have gone toward projects dedicated to bettering our community – this one is selfishly the most meaningful.
Before my grandma passed away a year ago she told me how much the people at the Sandy Senior Center meant and gave to her. It provided a renewed sense of purpose and community for her over during her last few years. She wanted to give back to them.
With funding from AAFP and UAFP, we provided the Sandy Senior Center with a top of the line vital sign station for their fitness center. I had discussed details with my grandma of what this may look like prior to her passing, yesterday it came to fruition. A digital scale, and user friendly and highly accurate blood pressure monitoring device with auto adjusting cuff size, audio guidance, and BP reading print out. Installed to help seniors who may not have at home monitoring , these devices can be critical for those with history of heart disease, and essential for early detection in those who don’t. Research has shown these devices can help prevention emergency room visits, hospitalization, and undoubtedly cost to our healthcare system.
The turnout and response for the unveiling was more than I could have imagined. I’m certain my grandma would be happy and hope they’ll remember her for years to come.
AAFP encourages all state chapters and foundations to apply who are committed to supporting philanthropic projects focused on health priority areas and reflect the rich diversity of the specialty and the patients served. Please reach out to UAFP if you have an idea for your own project.
The FMCA Grant Awards application period is from January 1 through February 28 of each year.