x
Breaking News
More () »

American Heart Association to commit $2.5 Million to COVID-19 research efforts

The "COVID-19 and Its Cardiovascular Impact Rapid Response Grant" aims to understand all aspects of the virus.

DALLAS — The American Heart Association announced on Tuesday that they are dedicating $2.5 million to research in hopes to better understand the COVID-19 virus and how it affects the body, specifically the heart and brain. 

The money will be put into research grants for short term projects that can help to better understand all aspects of COVID-19, including the diagnosis, prevention and clinical management. Additional funding will be made available to the Associations's new research centers to help develop new technology to combat the virus.

“Approximately 120 million people in the U.S. have one or more cardiovascular diseases, which may place them at higher risk for contracting COVID-19," said Dr. Robert A. Harrington, president of the American Heart Association. "Research is the very foundation of the American Heart Association and, given our global mission, this rapid response grant is an unprecedented but logical move for the organization in these extraordinary times."

Through the initiative, one national coordinating center, along with ten project grants of $100,000 each will be given. Application, review and awards for the grants will be fast-tracked due to the critical need for the research. Applications for the grants are due by April 6th at 5pm. Awardees will be announced in early may with hopes for projects to be started by June. Projects with a timeline of nine months to a year will take priority in the decision process.

Select Grants are also being offered to the Association's new Health Technologies & Innovation Strategically Focused Research Network centers and will be announced in soon. This funding will be to aid in new solutions to help those in the healthcare system who are at the forefront of the pandemic. 

For more information and to apply for a grant, visit the American Heart Association website.

Click here for our special coronavirus section.

RELATED: Where are the most coronavirus cases in Ohio? Check each county with this interactive map

RELATED: Coronavirus & Ohio: The latest number of confirmed cases

RELATED: Avon Lake police officer tests positive for coronavirus

RELATED: Cleveland biotech company making headway on possible COVID-19 treatment

RELATED: Sign up: 3News coronavirus e-mail newsletter

RELATED: Acme grocery stores announce changes due to coronavirus: Plastic barriers installed at checkout lines

RELATED: Giant Eagle stores installing plexiglass dividers, discouraging reusable bags during coronavirus pandemic

RELATED: 'Honks for Hugs' car parade spreads love at Avon Lake senior living center hours before 'stay at home' order took effect

RELATED: List: What businesses are essential under Gov. DeWine's 'stay-at-home order'

RELATED: National Guard members help local food banks prepare for influx amid coroavirus outbreak

RELATED: Local athlete, Olympic hopeful speaks out amid rumors to postpone the 2020 Summer Games in Tokyo

Before You Leave, Check This Out