Health

Tackling health disparities in New Orleans.

Challenge

In 2016, LA ranked 50 out of 50th states for community and environmental factors on health including high rates of violent crime, children in poverty, infectious disease, and occupational fatalities [1].
The life expectancy gap between the city’s most affluent and most disadvantaged neighborhoods is 25 years [2].
African American children in New Orleans are three and a half times more likely to be uninsured than white  children, and black adults 18-64 are close to twice as likely [3].
In New Orleans, 64% of adults in 2012 and 34% of high school students in 2007 were overweight or obese [4].

Strategy

Propeller addresses health disparities in New Orleans by working to increase affordable access to healthcare and wellbeing both in and beyond formal medical settings. In 2016 alone, two Propeller entrepreneurs opened new medical clinics in previously underserved neighborhoods. Other small businesses and nonprofits are pioneering healthcare technology, including a platform to simplify healthcare plan choice and a powerful bioinformatics platform. Propeller entrepreneurs work in spaces where New Orleanians work live, and play to address social determinants of health, from violent crime to access to green space. In a city where children screen positive for post-traumatic stress disorder at three times the national average, Propeller entrepreneurs are also developing programs to address the sources of that trauma, including exposure to violent crime and family stress due to high poverty.

Impact

Bike Rite (Startup ’17) offers paid cycling tours and social rides to facilitate the exploration of New Orleans and promotes physical activity across all of New Orleans’ communities, serving 10,000 riders in 2016 alone.
eNre (Growth ’16) ran 5,000 clinical research trials in one year through Ochsner Hospital System. eNre’s software streamline the recruiting process for these trials, with an emphasis on cancer and chronic diseases. A similar trial saw just 500 people over 3 years.
High Level Speech & Hearing Center (Startup ‘16, Growth ’17) has provided 8,000 patients with hearing screenings and treatment through our mobile and onsite screenings within local schools, nursing homes, and daycare centers, as well within their permanent outpatient clinic in Harahan.
RD Note (Accelerator ’15) partnered with Lafayette General Hospital to receive seed investment support and pilot their unique nutrition care practice model to manage and customize interventions for patients at high-risk for chronic disease.

Supporting Health Entrepreneurs

If you have or are looking to start a small business or nonprofit tackling health disparities, we’re here to help. Propeller’s Accelerator programs is designed to support entrepreneurs throughout the business lifecycle—from idea, to beta, to growth. Hands-on mentorship, access to high-level networks, pro bono technical support, and free office space, are just some of the benefits. Learn more about our accelerators, including eligibility and selection criteria, or visit our online application.