Abarca Expands Its Community Program To Support Scientific Research On Endemic Tropical Diseases

The Puerto Rican company will support one health-related not-for-profit organization to research the effects of COVID-19 and/or endemic tropical diseases.

San Juan, PR Abarca Health announced the second edition of its Better Care Community Program (BCCP), which seeks to support the work of health-related not-for-profit organizations improving the quality of life of communities in Puerto Rico, and now, Florida. To apply, organizations must fill out a questionnaire available at https://bit.ly/bettercare2021 before January 14, 2021. Three winning organizations will be chosen from among the applicants to receive a grant, hours of volunteer support from Abarcans, and a three-year partnership with Abarca. The BCCP, designed and managed entirely by Abarca employees, will announce nine finalists on January 19, 2021.

“Collaborating with the organizations that participated in the program’s first edition was a tremendous experience,” explained Adriana Ramírez, Abarca’s Chief Operating Officer. “Given the current global health crisis in which we live, our commitment to improving the offering of health services on the Island is stronger than ever, and we know that we cannot do it alone. Many unknown organizations and heroes are fighting to improve health in Puerto Rico, and what better time to reach out and work together towards a better future than now? That is why this year, we seek to support one organization in their research on the effects of COVID-19 in our communities and/or how to prevent other endemic tropical diseases. Additionally, we extended the program to the state of Florida, where we also have offices.” 

Once again, Abarca will put the selection of the Better Care Community Program’s beneficiaries in the hands of its employees (Abarcans). Abarcans will select three not-for-profit organizations to receive a grant and hours of volunteer support that could last up to three years. The company will take an innovative approach to the application process and deployment of resources that it will make available to selected organizations. 

The BCCP 2021 is open to all health-related not-for-profit organizations in Florida or Puerto Rico with projects focused on clinical needs, technology, and research on Covid-19 or endemic tropical diseases and those directed to the health of minorities. A committee of Abarca employees will select nine finalists from the organizations that apply. These finalists will be asked to submit a short video detailing their proposed initiatives to be evaluated by Abarcans. The latter will vote to select the best candidates based on their potential impact on the community, alignment with Abarca’s core values, and volunteer opportunities for Abarcans.

The first generation of the BCCP speaks

In 2019, more than 8,000 people were impacted through the work of four not-for-profit organizations selected for the BCCP: the Renal Council of Puerto Rico, Ciencia Puerto Rico, Hogar Albergue Jesús de Nazareth and Hogar Infantil Jesús Nazareno.

“Thanks to our collaboration with the Abarca team, our Semilla de Triunfo initiative continues to thrive. This initiative seeks to bring middle and/or high school girls closer to careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), train them to practice their leadership skills, and become STEM ambassadors in their communities,” said Greetchen Díaz-Muñoz Ph.D., director of CienciaPR’s Community Partnerships Science Education Program. “This was just the beginning of our collaboration with the Abarca team, as we have already talked about other ways in which they can be inserted into our projects and initiatives. We are very excited that this year they will include the focus on research as part of the selection criteria.” 

A reflection of Abarcan culture

“The culture that we cultivate at Abarca is key in everything we do. The company was founded on six core values ​​that guide the way we work, treat each other, overcome challenges, and serve clients and our community. This program is an extension of our culture to the community, and we are extremely excited about all that we have accomplished together,” emphasized Abarca’s chief operations officer.

The application period for the Better Care Community Program 2021 will be open from December 1, 2020, to January 14, 2021. For more information, visit www.abarcahealth.com/bettercare-en.

###

About Abarca

Abarca started a revolution in healthcare. We started by redefining pharmacy benefits, but this is just the beginning. Abarca is based on the belief that there is a better way to work together, connect, and make healthcare awesome for everyone. With smarter technology and a direct business approach, Abarca provides a better experience and greater value for our partners and consumers. Call us a PBM for discussion purposes, but we are unlike any other company. Join the revolution at https://abarcahealth.com/