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 executive board of trustees—has awarded funding to over 44 (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.
Las Vegas, Nevada
2023 AHEI Grant Recipient
Grantee: Alliance with Nevada State Medical Association &
Community members
Project name: 45 members attend Adult First Aid/CPR/AED certification
as a final program/of a 2-yr, six-part program
“First Aid/CPR/AED Certification”
The Alliance with Nevada State Medical Association
During the fall/winter of 2023, thanks to ANSMA and a supporting grant from AHEI, more members became certified in First Aid/CPR/AED through the American Red Cross. In total, 17 ANSMA members completed the certification program, increasing their readiness to respond skills.
Our project, “First Aid/CPR/AED Certification,” was also selected as the Health Awareness Promotion—National Initiatives Award winner. The American Medical Association Alliance congratulated us on our work and collaboration, which made a difference nationwide and improved the health and well-being of those in our community.
Our program was presented to attendees at the AMA Alliance Annual Meeting in Nashville, and we received the award. Congratulations to all First Aid/CPR/AED Certification participants/winners.
Michigan State Medical Society Alliance
2022 AHEI Grant Recipient
“Fall Focus: The Be Nice Program”
Michigan State Medical Society Alliance
The Michigan State Medical Society Alliance held its fourth Fall Focus in September 2022. This event was not a fundraiser but rather an educational opportunity for their Alliance members and community to learn about important topics that impacted the health and well-being of Michigan. The Fall Focus Symposium raised awareness about mental health in school-aged children and offered an informative program that highlighted important health-related issues for their state. The program focused on the health status of Michigan children in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Oxford High School shooting. The program offered tools to help Alliance members, teachers, school counselors, administrators, and board members as well as interested parents and community members to recognize signs in children who may have been struggling with depression, suicidal thoughts, or thoughts of harming others.
The Be Nice programs bring emotional and mental health awareness training to schools. Social and emotional learning is effective in preventing violence, suicide, substance abuse, and mental health issues.
“Be Nice”
We Invited the Public to Lunch & Learn!
September 22, 2022 | Fall Focus: Mental Health Awareness Symposium
The Four Simple Steps to Recognizing Depression & Preventing Suicide in Youth
The attendees at the “Be Nice” Luncheon enjoyed a wonderful meal and learned how to recognize the signs in youth who may be struggling with depression, suicidal thoughts, or thoughts of harming others.
Christy Buck, the Executive Director of the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan, was our outstanding presenter for the program. She shared the four tools to intervene and prevent future crises, ”Be NICE”.
The Be Nice action plan - to notice, invite, challenge, and empower - encourages individuals to challenge themselves and others to seek appropriate professional help when they notice mental health changes or concerns.
Thank you to our sponsors
AHEI, Advanced Radiological Services,
MSMS Foundation, MSMS Alliance
https://www.benice.org/
Grantee: Michigan State Medical
Society Alliance
Project Name: Fall Focus:
The Be Nice program
Saint Louis, Missouri
2020 AHEI Grant Recipient
"Stop the Bleed Program"
The Missouri State Medical Association Alliance
Contact info: Missouri State Medical Association Alliance
Project name: "Stop the Bleed Program"
The photos depict, the Saint Louis Metropolitan Medical Society Alliance presenting the “Stop the Bleed” lifesaving training program to the Loyola Academy of St. Louis, middle school students.
This was the Alliance’s first appearance at the school since a three-year hiatus during COVID-19. The Alliance has previously presented on drug abuse awareness and violence prevention.
The top photograph is of the students proudly holding their certifications, also present are (left) AMA Alliance President 2020-2021, Sue Ann Greco, RN, an active SLMMS Alliance member, and (right) Lori Winkler, MSN, RN, TNS, CPEN, StB Instructor; Middle photograph is Stop the Bleed instructor, Lori Winkler instructing the students; and bottom photograph is a student practicing a tourniquet with Loyola staff member, David Gaillardetz.
The Alliance Newsletter Second Quarter 2023
The 'Stop the Bleed' campaign was initiated by trauma surgeons from the American College of Surgeons who reported that one-third of the children who died at Sandy Hook could have survived if the bystanders had known how to control bleeding and prevent shock until the injured children could be transported.
Using the official American College of Surgeons approved 'Stop The Bleed' program and with the purchase of demonstration kits, Alliance members already trained were able to train other Alliance members in our county alliances in the approved techniques of hemorrhage control. The trained members then initiated programs in each county's communities to train potential "bystanders" to control life-threatening blood loss in the event of a traumatic accident (intentional or otherwise.) The objective of the 'Stop the Bleed' program nationwide is to train as many members of the general public as possible in the techniques required to stop life-threatening blood loss following man-made emergencies such as road traffic accidents, shootings, and stabbings, as well as natural disasters.
It is hoped that bleeding control will become part of every basic first aid program in much the same way that CPR is now understood and taught to all citizens.
Thanks to the assistance of the AHEI Grant, MSMA Alliance was able to purchase the 'Stop The Bleed' program and demonstration kits. These are used when teaching across Missouri.