The American Heart Association has recognized two community-focused innovators with its 2026 Impact with Heart recognition, aiming to accelerate scalable health care solutions as cardiovascular disease prevalence and costs are projected to rise dramatically. At least 6 in 10 U.S. adults are expected to have some form of cardiovascular disease by 2050, with related health care costs tripling, according to a recent advisory. Optimal cardiovascular health is influenced by clinical care as well as access to coverage, transportation, nutritious food and stress-reducing support, the Association noted.
During annual honors on Jan. 28, 2026, in New York City, the Association showcased bold scalable ideas to make health care and essential benefits easier to reach nationwide. The Impact with Heart program focuses on lifting up local, community-based entrepreneurs and organizations supported by the Association’s Social Impact Funds and its venture philanthropy program, as well as the EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator™. Support pairs investment capital with coaching and strategic guidance to help participating companies succeed.
This year, two local organizations whose work exemplifies innovation rooted in community health were honored. Mammha, based in Miami, is a Social Impact Funds portfolio company transforming perinatal mental health care. Founded and led by CEO Maureen Fura, Mammha’s text- and web-based platform streamlines maternal mental health screening, referral and treatment in clinics and remotely to help more mothers experiencing depression and anxiety receive timely, culturally relevant support. ThriveLink, headquartered in St. Louis, is an EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator alumnus using AI-powered voice technology to enroll families in essential programs like Medicaid, food assistance and utility support. Founded and led by CEO Kwamane Liddell, ThriveLink removes internet and literacy hurdles so people can complete complex applications by voice, reducing paperwork barriers and connecting families to life-changing resources. A recent investment by the Social Impact Funds is accelerating ThriveLink’s reach.
“The American Heart Association has a long history of impact, but the challenges ahead demand new approaches, new partnerships and bold leadership,” said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. “What you see through Impact with Heart are powerful examples of what’s possible when mission-driven innovators are given the resources, trust and support to scale ideas that remove barriers to care and improve lives.”
Launched in 2018, the Association’s Social Impact Funds, part of American Heart Association Ventures, support for-profit and nonprofit organizations tackling key social drivers of health—health care access and quality, food security and economic vitality—through equity investments, loans and grants. The EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator provides philanthropic support and an MBA-style curriculum to help health-focused entrepreneurs refine business models, strengthen storytelling and prepare to scale solutions addressing food and nutrition security, access to care and community impact.
