By Sarah Morgan Johnson
University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice graduate Christy Cantey, DNP, FNP-C, AACC, CCK (DNP 2024), has received a grant from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners to improve access to care for those with heart disease in underserved populations in North Alabama. She is one of seven AANP members to receive a grant through the 2024 AANP Grants and Scholarships program.
AANP is the professional home for more than 385,000 licensed nurse practitioners of all specialties. During this year’s annual AANP Grants and Scholarships program, the organization invested $137,300 into the education, outreach and research of 42 recipients.
Cantey will direct the project, “Reducing Inequities of Cardiovascular Care through Nurse Practitioner-Led Screening and Education,” and she is grateful for the support she has received from the AANP through this grant and over the course of her ten-year membership.
“I am honored to receive this grant which will be utilized to improve access to cardiovascular care for our underserved communities in Huntsville. The support from AANP to nurse practitioners like myself is incredibly encouraging. AANP's commitment to advancing the role of nurse practitioners in health care and providing opportunities like this is truly inspiring. This grant provides the resources and recognition needed to make a tangible impact, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the health and well-being of my community,” Cantey said.
Cantey and her collaborators will partner with the Huntsville Hospital Mobile Medical Unit team to bring cardiovascular screenings and education to underserved neighborhoods. They hope to build relationships with their community while simultaneously identifying and mitigating barriers to care. Assistance from AANP will enable Cantey’s team to expand their influence on communities in the Huntsville area.
“This grant will significantly enhance my ability to extend our reach and make a meaningful impact in our community. It is a privilege to partner with community leaders and the Huntsville Hospital Mobile Medical Unit team to provide essential care to underserved areas. By focusing on early detection of valvular heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions like high blood pressure, we can improve both the length and quality of life for these individuals. I am deeply committed to serving our community and am hopeful that this initiative will lead to substantial progress in delivering timely and improved cardiovascular care,” Cantey said.
Cantey notes that the support and education she has received from the School as a DNP student has prepared her to successfully execute this project.
“I’m grateful for the chance to share this with the UAB community and for the valuable knowledge I’ve gained through the DNP program. The program has equipped me to achieve the objectives of this outreach project and to enhance the health of my community and beyond,” Cantey said.
