West Health is a group of non-profit organizations in the United States that is working to lower healthcare costs so that seniors can successfully age in place. West Health is funded by philanthropists Gary and Mary West. It includes the Gary and Mary West Health Institute (WHI), the Gary and Mary West Foundation, and the Gary and Mary West Health Policy Center.

West Health Institute

The WHI was created in 2009 with a $45 million grant from the West Foundation. It is an independent, medical research organization that works with healthcare providers and research institutions to lower healthcare costs and improve healthcare delivery and social services for seniors. Current projects include research into geriatric emergency care, improved services and oral health for seniors and ongoing public opinion research on healthcare costs. Early research from WHI developed the Sense4Baby wireless maternal and fetal monitor for high-risk pregnancies, which they licensed to AirStrip. WHI also researched hospital wireless communication technology and interoperability software that was eventually licensed to the Center for Medical Interoperability The Center is a separate organization led by hospital and health system CEOs to drive interoperability of medical technology. The Center is also funded by the Gary and Mary West Foundation.

West Health Policy Center

The Gary and Mary West Health Policy Center is a nonprofit, non-partisan resource in Washington, D.C. that provides policy information and proposals to lower healthcare costs and improve healthcare in the U.S. for seniors. Launched in January 2012, it is researching ways to enable seniors to independently age in place through improved healthcare delivery and social services.

Gary and Mary West Foundation

The Gary and Mary West Foundation provides funding to the WHI, the West Health Policy Center and other senior-focused national and community-based organizations. The West Foundation accepts grant proposals by invitation only, and has awarded more than $211 million since its inception.

Leadership

Shelley Lyford became President and CEO of West Health on Sept. 4, 2015. Nicholas J. Valeriani was named the Chief Executive of West Health in August 2012. Members of the Board of Directors are Gary West (Founder, Chairman); Nicholas J. Valeriani, MBA (Former Chief Executive); Charles Sederstrom; Dr. Michael Johns; and Mark McClellan.

Headquarters

West Health is headquartered in San Diego, California. In December 2009, it opened its 3600 sqft research facility, which contains a classroom for workshops and seminars. It also has an office in Washington D.C.

Milestones

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009