The John A. Hartford Foundation Business Innovation Award acknowledges the achievements of community-based organizations (CBOs) that partner and contract with health care entities, such as health systems, health plans, and accountable care organizations, with the goal of replicating these successful partnerships nationwide.

Each year, the award recognizes CBO—health care contracts and partnerships that improve health outcomes and quality of life for older adults, people with disabilities and/or caregivers. Award recipients are recognized for their bold, transformative initiatives designed to align health and social care and increase their organization’s sustainability. The award is sponsored by The John A. Hartford Foundation and presented by USAging’s Aging and Disability Business Institute and engAGED: The National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults.

Past recipients of this award include the Western New York Integrated Care Collaborative (WNYICC), Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging, Region IV Area Agency on Aging, Direction Home Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities, and the Virginia Area Agencies on Aging–Caring for the Commonwealth (VAAACares).

“Receiving The John A. Hartford Foundation Business Innovation Award on behalf of VAAACares was one of the highlights of my professional life. I was thrilled to have our innovative approach linking health care and CBOs to more effectively address Social Determinants of Health issues for older adults and people with disabilities recognized by The John A. Hartford Foundation. This prestigious award has been invaluable in promoting our accomplishments and has opened many doors for current and future partnerships.”

— Kathy Vesley-Massey, CEO, VAAACares

The award, presented at the USAging Annual Conference and Tradeshow each year, includes a plaque and monetary award of up to $5,000. The award is presented by the Aging and Disability Business Institute, which is administered by USAging.