Center for Connected Health Receives Grant from Verizon Foundation to Support Development of a Patient-Centered Diabetes Management Program

BOSTON, MA, NOVEMBER 25, 2008 – The Center for Connected Health, a division of Partners HealthCare, one of the nation’s leading integrated health care delivery systems, today announced receipt of a $25,000 grant from the Verizon Foundation, to support the ongoing development of its Connected Health Diabetes Program, a web-based remote monitoring program for diabetes patients at practices affiliated with Partners HealthCare, including those at Brigham and Women’s and Massachusetts General Hospitals.

The Center has developed a web portal where patients can upload and view their personal blood glucose readings, as well as track their medication and other lifestyle information that could affect their readings. In addition, healthcare providers can view individual patient data and send secure messages to their patients. The Verizon Foundation grant will be used to gather feedback from participating patients and providers, to help improve this unique solution as an effective tool to help better manage diabetes and improve patient outcomes.

(Photo, from left: Alex Pelletier, Center for Connected Health; Joseph Ternullo, Center for Connected Health; Robert O'Brien, MGH Development; Stephenie Lee, Verizon Foundation; Peter Bowman, Verizon Foundation.)

“We are honored to have our Connected Health Diabetes Program recognized and supported by the Verizon Foundation,” said Joseph C. Kvedar, MD, Director, Center for Connected Health. “While our initial diabetes program was very well received by both patients and providers, this funding will allow us to learn more and identify ways to further improve communication between diabetes patients and their healthcare providers.”

A ceremony recognizing the grant winners was held today at the Center for Connected Health in Boston.
“Verizon invests in healthcare projects that provide technology solutions that help providers increase the efficiency, effectiveness and reach of their services,” said Donna Cupelo, Verizon Region President – New England. “Giving people timely access to critical information can save lives and significantly lower healthcare costs. We are proud to partner with the Center for Connected Health on this important initiative.”

The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications, supports the advancement of literacy and K-12 education through its signature program, Thinkfinity.org, and fosters awareness and prevention of domestic violence. In 2007, the foundation awarded more than $67.4 million in grants to nonprofit agencies in the United States and abroad. The foundation also matched the charitable donations of Verizon employees and retirees, resulting in $25.1 million in combined contributions. Through Verizon Volunteers, one of the nation's largest employee volunteer programs, Verizon employees and retirees have volunteered more than 3 million hours of community service since Verizon's inception in 2000. For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizon.com/foundation.