Dr. Frank Douglas, President and CEO of the Austen BioInnovation Institute in Akron

Yesterday, the Austen BioInnovation Institute in Akron and partners received a $500,000 award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service (HHS) to fund the Accountable Care Community (ACC) initiative, a collective effort aiming to create a healthier community and lessen the burden of disease in the Akron region. The initiative involves more than 60 local organizations  and Akron’s plan will become national model for improving health. This grant is a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Community Transformation Grants to support public health efforts to reduce chronic diseases, promote healthier lifestyles, reduce health disparities, and control health care spending.

Overall, HHS awarded approximately $103 million in prevention grants to 61 states and communities, reaching more than 120 million Americans.

Read the press release at abiakron.com