The American Heart Association has recognized two community-focused innovators with its 2026 Impact with Heart recognition, highlighting scalable solutions to health care barriers amid projections that at least 6 in 10 U.S. adults will have some form of cardiovascular disease by 2050, with related costs tripling. The honors were announced Wednesday in New York City, showcasing bold ideas to make health care and essential benefits easier to reach nationwide.
Driven by an older, more diverse population and increasing risk factors, heart disease and stroke already kill more than all forms of cancer combined annually. Optimal cardiovascular health is shaped not only by clinical care but also by access to coverage, transportation, nutritious food and stress-reducing support, according to a presidential advisory from the Association.
This year's honorees include Mammha, a Miami-based 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, helping more mothers experiencing depression and anxiety receive timely, culturally relevant support. The second honoree is ThriveLink, a St. Louis-based 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. 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 and scale solutions. According to a news release, at least 6 in 10 U.S. adults are projected to have cardiovascular disease, a figure expected to grow. A presidential advisory forecasts the burden through 2050, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches to address risk factors and social determinants.
The Impact with Heart recognition underscores the Association's commitment to accelerating health care solutions that change the future of health for everyone everywhere. By pairing investment capital with coaching and strategic guidance, the Association helps ensure participating companies are successful in bringing their programs nationwide.
