Health Innovations on Display at Final Sandbox Event of 2013
On an evening where temperatures dropped to near single digits, over 60 people came out to attend the Sandbox Health Mixer at Lawrence General Hospital. Our last event of the year featured some of the region’s top health innovations on display.
The evening started off with 15 innovators showcasing their health innovations through a table display. Audience members had the opportunity to learn what these innovators are doing and how to get involved. Presenters varied from well-established organizations such as Lowell General Hospital to early-stage entrepreneurs like Keo Ice Cream.
Then we had presentations from three special guest speakers including Lee B. Kane, the EcoCzar of Whole Foods Market, North Atlantic Region. Kane talked about how Whole Foods is always trying to push the boundaries with innovative initiatives such as rooftop farms on top of their stores. He also mentioned that he was happy to see that the Merrimack Valley had so many great health innovations. Special thanks to Lawrence General Hospital for co-sponsoring the event and to everyone who came out and participated. If you missed out on this mixer, don’t worry, we will have more in 2014. Sign-up for our e-mail list to get all of our latest updates!
Lee B. Kane
EcoCzar/Forager – Whole Foods Market, North Atlantic Region
World’s largest retailer of natural and organic foods, with stores throughout North America and the United Kingdom
Thomas Bean
Co-Founder – SPARK Academy
Innovative school in Lawrence that focuses both on academics and physical activity
Nicholas S. Zaharias
Vice President for Advancement - Lawrence General Hospital
Now one of the fastest growing hospitals in all of Massachusetts, and the only not-for-profit hospital in the immediate area, featuring many of the most advanced and top-rated clinical care centers in our region
Below is a list of innovators who showcased their health innovations at the event!
Catie’s Closet
Provides clothing and hygienic necessities to homeless and underprivileged students in the Merrimack Valley to help them focus on school
The City of Lawrence Mayor’s Health Task Force/CHNA 11
Develops healthy public health policies and activities that accommodate the changing conditions of the total community, and promote improvement in the quality of life of its citizens
CLASS Inc.
Giving individuals with physical and mental disabilities the skills to succeed in the workforce
Drainage Wear
Medical undergarment that removes the use of leg straps to provide comfort and privacy during treatment and recovery of a drainage catheter being placed within the body
ENERGY (Exercise Now Everyday Regularly and Grow Younger) Fitness Training
Low-cost, customized personal training for the elderly
Groundwork Lawrence
Improving the lives of Lawrence residents through environmental and open space improvements, healthy food access programs, youth education, and employment initiatives
Healthy Homes
Working with the elderly in public housing who have asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Keo Ice Cream
Delicious non-dairy ice cream suitable for vegans and anyone allergic to dairy, gluten, or soy
MeetCareGivers
Platform that uses video technology to make it easier and safer for families to find and connect with perfect caregivers for their aging mom or dad. Users are able to watch video profiles of pre-screened and qualified caregivers talking about their experiences, skills, personalities, and backgrounds
Mental Fitness 101
Assists individuals with climbing step by step up the staircase of health holistically incorporating nutrition, exercise, meditation, and other daily habits
Merrimack Valley YMCA
Community-based organization dedicated to putting Christian principles into practice through programs, membership opportunities, and community services that strengthen spirit, mind, and body for all
Metta Health Center (Lowell Community Health Center)
Improves access to primary medical care for Lowell’s Cambodian and Laotian populations. Services include primary medical care, nutrition counseling, mental health services, traditional healing advice, acupuncture, and more
Mill City Grows
Creates urban food production sites in Lowell to give residents the knowledge to grow their own food or purchase locally grown food
New Entry Sustainable Farming Project
Improves the local and regional food systems by training the next generation of farmers to produce food that is sustainable, nutritious, and culturally-appropriate and making this food accessible to individuals regardless of age, mobility, ethnicity, or socio-economic status
Robotic Feeding Arm
an assistive technology product that gives independence to those who rely on others for feeding assistance
YWCA of Greater Lawrence
Health Advocacy Services Program (WHAS) helps women who lack access to health care and essential health information secure the services they and their families need to stay healthy and prevent or detect diseases such as breast and cervical cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes in their earliest stages
Special thanks to Lawrence General Hospital for co-sponsoring the event!
