Since 2015
AHEI Grants Make A Difference in Communities
Small non-profits addressing critical issues in communities.
The Alliance Health Education Initiative (AHEI) was born from the vision and determination of members of the AMA Alliance, a national volunteer organization committed to improving the health of communities.
These founders understood the real-world struggles small, community-based non-profit organizations faced when trying to secure funding for vital health and education programs. Though their work made a direct impact, many of these grassroots efforts were overlooked by larger funding institutions.
As part of the AMA Alliance, the founders also faced limitations; they were not eligible to accept charitable donations or apply for or distribute grants. Recognizing this barrier, they envisioned a solution: a foundation that could provide financial support to organizations meeting pressing healthcare needs across the country.
In 2012, that vision became a reality with the creation of AHEI.
Since launching its grant program in 2015, AHEI—led by an all-volunteer board of trustees—has awarded funding to over 50 (and counting) impactful projects. From local to national levels, these grants have helped organizations tackle urgent health issues and improve lives in communities nationwide.
This vital work has been made possible through the generosity of our patrons.
Your contributions directly fund our impactful grants.
Access for All
Mobile Retina Clinic
Erie, Pennsylvania
2025 AHEI Grant Recipient
Project:
The Mobile Retina Clinic (MRC) is a community-based outreach program established by Access-For-All in partnership with Erie Retina Research to improve access to vision health education and retinal disease screening throughout northwestern Pennsylvania.
Supported by the Alliance Health Education Initiative, this project expanded the Mobile Retina Clinic's educational component by developing and distributing eye wellness kits, educational materials, and interactive teaching resources.
The AHEI funding significantly enhanced the educational impact of the Mobile Retina Clinic and allowed us to exceed many of the objectives outlined in the original proposal. Using the grant funding, our team created and distributed 200 eye wellness kits and the purchase of two detailed anatomical eye models illustrating retinal disease and cataracts. The interactive nature of these models has made vision health education more engaging and accessible for participants of all backgrounds. These models quickly became one of our most valuable educational resources.
The program has grown substantially since its establishment, conducting dozens of community outreach events and serving over one thousand individuals who may otherwise face barriers to accessing eye care.
Overall, the project met or exceeded the educational objectives outlined in the original proposal. Community members received accessible vision health education, educational materials, wellness kits, and individualized retinal screening accompanied by personalized counseling regarding their eye health.
Grantee: Access-For-All
Project Name: The Mobile Retina Clinic
RESOURCE: www.accessforallerie.org
Harrisburg, PA
2024 AHEI Grant Recipient
“Automatic Digital Blood Pressure Monitoring Devices and Essential
Health Education”
In 2024, Beacon Clinic for Health and Hope received an AHEI Health Grant to support individuals in their community living with hypertension.
Proper blood pressure management is essential for reducing complications and prolonging life—yet many patients lack the tools needed to monitor their blood pressure at home.
Through this project, Beacon Clinic provided hypertensive patients with automatic digital blood pressure monitors (and batteries when needed), essential health education, and access to necessary medications. Patients were also supported through regularly scheduled clinic visits to help them stay on track and engaged in their care.
By combining education, equipment, medication, and ongoing support, this initiative empowers patients to take control of their blood pressure—and their long-term health.
Grantee: Beacon Clinic for Health and Hope
Project name: BP monitors, education, medications, and clinic visits
RESOURCE: beaconclinicpa.org
Ann Arbor, Michigan
2017 AHEI Grant Recipient
"The Teen Health Project"
Washtenaw County Medical Society Alliance & Partners
The Teen Health Project brought together the Washtenaw County Medical Society Alliance, Corner Health Center Youth Theater Troupe, and University of Michigan medical students
to address one of the most urgent issues facing our youth today.
Through live performance and guided discussion, this project helped students and community members recognize the warning signs of youth and young adult suicide—including the impacts of bullying and depression.
The goal is simple but powerful:
to educate, raise awareness, reduce stigma, and connect young people to the resources that can save lives.
Grantee:
Washtenaw County Medical Society Alliance
Project name: "The Teen Health Project."
These programs and projects will periodically change with
other outstanding responses relevant to the increasingly critical needs of our communities and our nation.
Questions and requests for additional information about any of these wonderful projects,
contact chair@ahei.org