Baxter foundation, Direct Relief ink diabetes pact

Baxter (NYSE:BAX) and Direct Relief announced today that they are launching a three-year program awarding funding to health centers and free and charitable clinics that are working to improve diabetes outcomes for patients.

The program, Transformative Innovation Awards for Community Health: Incorporating Nutrition to Improve Diabetes Health Outcomes, will award $750,000 to the centers and clinics, with focus on the Greater Chicago area in the first year, according to a release.

The program plans for the chosen centers and clinics to put the money toward nutrition education and diabetes prevention programs in communities located on the west and southwest sides of Chicago and Crystal Lake, Ill.

“We’re honored to expand our work with Direct Relief to bring needed resources to health centers that are working tirelessly to improve care for patients living with diabetes in under-resourced areas,” Verónica Arroyave, executive director of the Baxter International Foundation, said in prepared remarks.

“Ensuring that individuals from all communities and neighborhoods have access to needed health resources is one of the reasons that we partner with companies like Baxter,” added Direct Relief president & CEO Thomas Tighe. “We’re excited to build on our collaboration with Baxter for the Transformative Innovation Awards and highlight the efforts of local providers who are bringing access to care for patients and communities.”