Empowering communities across the U.S. with equal access to life-saving heart health services
RAHWAY, N.J. — November 4, 2025. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming millions of lives every year. But change is on the horizon. The Merck Foundation has announced a groundbreaking $22 million, five-year initiative—the Collaborative for Equity in Cardiac Care—designed to make heart health care more accessible, equitable, and person-centered for all.
Through this initiative, 11 organizations across the country will receive grants to create and expand innovative, community-based programs that tackle both the medical and social challenges of living with cardiovascular disease. These programs aim to ensure that people in under-resourced areas can get timely, high-quality treatment for heart conditions.
“Cardiovascular disease continues to be the number one cause of death for men and women living in the U.S., and its burden hits under-resourced communities the hardest,” said Kalahn Taylor-Clark, Vice President and Head of Social Impact & Sustainability at Merck. “By addressing the medical and social needs of people living with heart conditions, this initiative will have a lasting impact on individuals and communities nationwide.”
Empowering Local Champions for Heart Health
The Collaborative supports a diverse network of health and community organizations, including:
- Capital Health System (New Jersey)
- The Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness (Wisconsin)
- Gallup Community Health (New Mexico)
- Georgia State University Research Foundation (Georgia)
- La Clínica del Pueblo (Washington, D.C.)
- MedNorth Health Center (North Carolina)
- Providence Medical Foundation (California)
- Public Health Institute/Population Health Innovation Lab (California)
- University of Chicago (Illinois)
- UPMC Center for High-Value Health Care (Pennsylvania)
- Zufall Health Center (New Jersey)
Together, these organizations will focus on community-based cardiac care, connecting patients to critical services and reducing health disparities.
A Collaborative Effort for Lasting Change
The Johns Hopkins Center for Health Equity will serve as the National Program Office (NPO), providing technical support, evaluating progress, and helping grantees share best practices nationwide.
Dr. Lisa A. Cooper, Director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Equity, highlighted the power of collaboration:
“Each grantee understands the unique challenges in their community. By joining forces, they can not only address immediate patient needs but also create lasting improvements in how heart care is delivered across the U.S.”
Building on a Legacy of Impact
The Collaborative for Equity in Cardiac Care builds upon Merck Foundation’s long-standing commitment to improving health equity and access to care. It follows successful efforts like the Alliance for Equity in Cancer Care, which is already transforming cancer outcomes in seven states.
Since its founding in 1957, the Merck Foundation has contributed over $1 billion to global health initiatives, staying true to its purpose—to save and improve lives around the world.
This new initiative is more than just funding—it’s a call to action for a healthier, more equitable future. By combining medical innovation, community partnership, and social impact, the Merck Foundation is setting a new standard for heart health equity in America.