#United States #New York #Pediatric Health #Health Equity #Deerfield Foundation

Deerfield Foundation's Significant Contribution to Children's Health

In a major initiative announced on January 15, 2025, the Deerfield Foundation, a philanthropic organization linked with the renowned New York City-based healthcare investment firm, Deerfield Management, unveiled its commitment of $1.5 million to bolster children's health and wellness. This funding will support 14 non-profits active in seven different countries, aimed specifically at enhancing health conditions for children and families.

Mark Veich, a Board Member of the Deerfield Foundation, emphasized the organization's long-standing mission of promoting positive transformations in health, innovation, and equity over the past two decades. He remarked, “Through our targeted grants, we support organizations working to create breakthrough therapies, expand access to care, and strengthen public health efforts, all with the aim of improving lives at both the individual and community levels.”

This year’s funding will enable projects focused on pediatric health, which will begin in January 2025. Selected organizations were evaluated meticulously by a committee of 30 Deerfield employees, considering their proposals' potential for measurable impact and opportunities for collaboration with employees of Deerfield. Notably, the Deerfield Foundation encourages employee participation in the selection process by inviting them to submit proposals, making a unique approach to engagement.

Among the organizations receiving grants, eight are from the United States, while others are international, indicating the foundation's commitment to address global health issues. Some of the notable grantees include:

• - African Mission Healthcare (Uganda)
• - Achilles International (New York, NY)
• - Children's Brain Tumor Foundation (United States)
• - The Matthew Larson Foundation for Pediatric Brain Tumors (Tri-State Area)
• - May We Help (Cincinnati, OH)
• - Project Sunshine (New York, NY)
• - Piers Park Sailing Center (Boston, MA)
• - Peace Island Children's Center (Uganda)
• - Health and Education for All (Bangladesh, Myanmar)
• - Jeffrey Modell Foundation (Global)

This latest round of grants builds upon the foundation's history of over $50 million directed to more than 125 organizations since its establishment in 2005. The foundation’s operations are supported through profits earned by Deerfield Management and contributions made by its employees, showcasing a strong commitment to community welfare.

Moreover, the Deerfield Foundation and Deerfield Management launched the Advancium Health Network in 2022, which aims to help obliterate barriers in healthcare innovation and serve as a critical player in advancing health technology. In line with this dedication, a research award named after long-time Deerfield Partner Peter Steelman was announced in June 2023 to further enhance research in acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

The Deerfield Foundation’s work illustrates a proactive approach toward improving community welfare through strategic partnerships and initiatives dedicated to health. Whether through funding innovative treatments or public health initiatives, the foundation continues to play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life for countless children and families around the globe. Their efforts are not just about monetary assistance but focus on building a supportive network that fosters long-term change for communities in need, ensuring health equity is prioritized in every endeavor.