KENILWORTH, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Merck Foundation (Foundation) announced today the launch of a new initiative, Bridging the Gap: Reducing Disparities in Diabetes Care (Bridging the Gap), to improve access to high-quality diabetes care and reduce health disparities for vulnerable and underserved populations in the United States. With $10 million in funding from the Foundation over five years, Bridging the Gap will build sustainable partnerships across sectors to support innovative approaches to diabetes treatment and management.

Bridging the Gap partners will work to ensure that individuals with diabetes can benefit not only from improved medical care, but also from interventions that address the multiple social and environmental factors outside of the health care system that influence health and well-being.

“Diabetes is a significant population health concern, with more than 29 million Americans living with the disease. There is a higher prevalence of diabetes in underserved communities, where many patients do not receive the help they need to effectively manage their health,” said Dr. Julie L. Gerberding, chief patient officer, Merck and chief executive officer, Merck Foundation. “Through Bridging the Gap, we will work with our partners to promote sustainable improvements in diabetes care for those who need it the most.”

Non-profit organizations in the United States are invited to apply for a grant to support the implementation of multifaceted programs focused on type 2 diabetes that will:

• Transform the delivery of primary care to improve diabetes management for vulnerable and underserved populations.
• Use intersectoral collaborations to address factors inside and outside of the health care system that influence diabetes outcomes.
• Improve health outcomes for individuals with type 2 diabetes, such as improved glucose and lipid control.

As part of Bridging the Gap, the Foundation will support a comprehensive evaluation to assess the impact of the initiative and identify novel intersectoral approaches to reduce diabetes disparities.

Interested organizations can learn more about the application process, eligibility requirements, guidance for proposed interventions and deadlines from the Foundation’s Call for Proposals on our website.

An external advisory committee will review the invited proposals based on specific criteria outlined in the Call for Proposals. Grant awards will be announced in mid-2017.

About The Merck Foundation

The Merck Foundation is a U.S.-based, private charitable foundation. Established in 1957 by Merck, a global health care leader, the Foundation is funded entirely by the company and is Merck’s chief source of funding support to qualified non-profit charitable organizations. Since its inception, the Merck Foundation has contributed more than $844 million to support important initiatives that address societal needs and are consistent with Merck’s overall mission to help the world be well. For more information, visit www.merckgiving.com.