Medtronic Awards $150,000 Locally in Health Access Grants

From Medtronic:

Medtronic Awards $150,000 Locally in Health Access Grants

Medtronic Philanthropy Grants Support Local Organizations Committed to Expanding Access to Healthcare for the Underserved SANTA ANA, CALIF. - Jan. 16, 2015 - The Lestonnac Free Clinic and CHOC Children's Foundation each received a two-year Health Access Grant from Medtronic Philanthropy in recognition of their continued commitment to improve access to healthcare in Orange County.  Each organization was nominated by a team of Medtronic employees working at the Medtronic Orange County site in Santa Ana. As one of the state's few remaining free clinics, the Lestonnac Free Clinic provides no-cost health care services to the underserved in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.  The $50,000 Health Access Grant will be targeted to the clinic's Annual Diabetic Vision, Instruction, Care and Advice program, which will help 360 uninsured and indigent diabetic patients in Orange County access state-of-the-art technology, preventive and specialty care services, including a dedicated patient care coordinator and lifestyle education, at no cost.  "The Health Access Grant given to us by Medtronic will provide funding for vision services and education programs for our diabetic patients to help prevent their loss of sight," said Ed Gerber, executive director of the Lestonnac Free Clinic. The CHOC Children's Heart Institute offers diagnosis and treatment for the entire spectrum of cardiac conditions. The $100,000 Health Access Grant will help provide low-income families with information on early detection of congenital heart abnormalities, and access to essential health services offered at the hospital. "The CHOC Children's Heart Institute is extremely grateful for Medtronic Foundation's support of our commitment to provide heart and obesity screenings to underserved children.  As a result of the Health Access Grant, we will continue to break down the barriers to care for some of the most vulnerable children in our community.  Our efforts are focused on putting these patients - and their families - on the path to healthy, bright futures," said Dr. Anthony Chang, medical director, CHOC Heart Institute.  Checks were presented during a ceremony attended by Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-46), as well as leaders from the grant recipient organizations and Medtronic employees. "I want to congratulate the Lestonnac Free Clinic and the Children's Hospital Foundation of Orange County and thank Medtronic for their generous Health Access Grants.  These organizations provide care to those most in need and I am proud to represent them in Congress," said Rep. Sanchez. "At Medtronic, we are dedicated to improving the health of the world, and that starts right here in Orange County," said Daniel Glazerman, Medtronic Orange County site leader. "We invest in localized health access initiatives that support and recognize community-based organizations such as the Lestonnac Free Clinic and the Children's Hospital Foundation of Orange County, allowing them to continue and expand their important work."  Medtronic Health Access Grants are awarded in 36 different communities around the world in recognition of community-based programs and organizations that demonstrate a commitment to expanding access to chronic disease care for the underserved. About Medtronic Philanthropy Medtronic Philanthropy focuses on expanding access to quality chronic disease care among underserved populations worldwide, in addition to supporting health initiatives in communities where Medtronic employees live and give. About Medtronic Medtronic, Inc. (www.medtronic.com) is the global leader in medical technology-alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around the world. As part of the Coronary and Structural Heart Division, Medtronic Orange County produces tissue heart valves used in the surgical and minimally invasive treatment of heart valve disease. The 137,000-square-foot facility in Santa Ana employs more than 600 in manufacturing and R&D. -end-