Michael and Sassy Smith Champion Rare Heart Disease Care

March is Amyloidosis Awareness Month, and we're excited to announce that Michael and Sassy Smith have made a transformative $100,000 gift to support AHN's Amyloidosis Program at AHN Cardiovascular Institute. Their generosity will fund a dedicated nurse coordinator, patient support resources and expanded education for patients and clinicians navigating this rare and complex disease. We are deeply grateful for their compassion and vision. If you are interested in learning more about supporting our amyloid fund, please contact Chelsea.Thomas@ahn.org.

New VR Headsets Bring Calm and Comfort to Young Patients

Children's Miracle Network (CMN) at AHN Saint Vincent funded KindVR virtual reality headsets to transform the hospital experience for young patients. The headsets immerse children in calming virtual worlds during procedures like IV insertions and phlebotomy, reducing stress, anxiety and pain in real time. "The single most important aspect of these headsets is their ability to transform a child's experience from one of fear and anxiety into one of calm and comfort," says Danielle Eden, Nurse Manager of NICU and Pediatrics.

Jennie K. Scaife Charitable Foundation Awards $1.8 Million to AHN

For the fourth consecutive year, the Jennie K. Scaife Charitable Foundation has supported AHN — this time with a gift of $1.8 million to support five programs addressing the region's most pressing health needs. The funding will advance AHN's Healthy Food Centers, Perinatal Hope Program, Chronic Care Specialty Team, Intimate Partner Violence Program and a first-of-its-kind mobile health clinic serving both people and their pets. Together, these programs reflect AHN's deep commitment to health equity across Western Pennsylvania, and we are grateful for the Foundation's continued and generous partnership.

AHN STAR Center Sparks a Love of STEMM in Middle Schoolers

The AHN STAR Center's STEMM on the Go Program, generously supported by partners like the Grable Foundation, brings hands-on science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine education directly to underserved middle schools. Every month from October through May, the program engages 7th- and 8th-graders in activities such as tracking "germs" in the classroom and building medical tool prototypes. Each activity sparks curiosity and builds skills in critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving. The program continues to grow, with a planned expansion this fall set to reach 90 students. STAR Center and participating schools would like to extend their deepest gratitude to their donors, who help cultivate the next generation of STEMM leaders.

WM Invests in Student Mental Health Through AHN Chill Project

WM (formerly Waste Management) is a new Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) donor to AHN Psychiatry & Behavioral Health Institute. Their generous contribution supports the AHN Chill Project™, a school-based program that brings mental health resources directly into classrooms across 50 K-12 schools in Allegheny, Washington, Bedford and Erie counties. The Chill Project ensures that every student, no matter where they live, has access to the support they need to thrive. Thank you, WM, for investing in the well-being of our region's youth.

Through EITC, businesses can donate up to $750,000 each year to support the AHN Chill Project™ on-site services, and can claim 75-90% of the donation as a credit that offsets their state tax bill. The credit can increase to 90% for a consecutive two-year donation commitment.

Gannon Knights and Grandview Elementary Score Big for Cancer Patients

The Gannon University Women's Basketball team and Grandview Elementary joined forces for the CARE Game at Highmark Events Center. Together, they raised nearly $7,000 to support patients at the AHN Saint Vincent Cancer Institute, with funds going directly toward essentials like wigs, nutrition and transportation for individuals undergoing cancer treatment. Grandview students competed class-by-class to raise the most funds, while AHN nurses and elementary students enjoyed VIP seats at the game and autographs from the players. 

AHN's Mobile Clinic Celebrates One Year of OB-GYN Care

The AHN Women's Institute mobile OB-GYN clinic is celebrated its first anniversary in January, bringing care directly to women. Parked at the Carnegie Free Library of McKeesport, the fully equipped 37-foot trailer offers consultations, screenings and blood draws, removing the transportation and childcare barriers that so often keep women from prioritizing their own health. The clinic welcomes patients on the first Tuesday of every month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1507 Library Street in McKeesport.

Cancer Patient Ambassador Program Offers Support at AHN

Now in its second year, AHN's Cancer Patient Ambassador Program pairs newly diagnosed cancer patients with volunteer ambassadors who have navigated their own cancer journeys. Founded by Terri Ronald following her third cancer diagnosis, the program has grown to 90 ambassadors who offer emotional and practical support to patients facing one of the most challenging experiences of their lives.