Direct Relief Fund for Health Equity - Asthma Care Expansion

Funder: Direct Relief (Fund for Health Equity), with support from Sanofi

Geographic Scope: Massachusetts (part of broader grant to 10 community health centers in Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania)

Focus Areas: Respiratory health, asthma care, health equity, historically underserved communities

Program Overview

Direct Relief's Fund for Health Equity awarded $2 million in grants to 10 community health centers across three states to support respiratory health in historically under-supported communities. GLFHC's grant focuses on expanding asthma care services.

Eligible Uses

• In-depth training for 30 clinical staff members in asthma care
• Certification exam support for 2 staff members to become nationally certified asthma educators
• Creation of an Asthma Care Team for improved care coordination
• Education sessions for patients to reduce emergency room visits

Target Population

• GLFHC patients with asthma (current patient base: 3,200 patients diagnosed with asthma)
• Residents of Merrimack Valley
• Historically underserved communities

Funder Mission

Direct Relief's Fund for Health Equity mobilizes financial resources for community health centers, free and charitable clinics, and nonprofit organizations focused on nonclinical interventions affecting health (social determinants of health), including physical, social, cultural, and economic environments.

Partner Information

Sanofi's "Breathe Easier" Campaign: Focuses on the intersection of environment and human health, supporting communities experiencing high burden of respiratory illness.

Announcement Date: December 22, 2025