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Westchester County Office of Economic Development, Westchester County Biosciences Accelerator and Westchester County Association Shine Spotlight on Area’s Life Sciences Ecosystem
An Ounce of Prevention: Challenges to Innovating in Preventative Healthcare to take place December 7 in White Plains
Westchester County, New York (November 29, 2023) – The Westchester County Office of Economic Development (OED), the Westchester County Biosciences Accelerator (WCBA) and the Westchester County Association (WCA) will host An Ounce of Prevention – Challenges to Innovating in Preventative Healthcare on December 7, 2023 at 360 Hamilton Avenue in White Plains.
Innovations in healthcare that target prevention improve patients’ quality of life and potentially save money as well. However, these innovations have an arduous path to approval and making the business case for adoption can also be challenging. The panelists will discuss how these new therapies and devices can entice private investment, how we can navigate the coming challenges with government, providers, investors and patients, and much more.
The morning event will feature a panel discussion moderated by Mary Howard, Executive Director of FirstXFounder, and Program Director for the WCBA. Panel participants include Andrea H. Cefarelli, Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, New York Blood Center Enterprises; Silvia Garcia Codony, Senior Director, NY Ventures; and Merja Perhonen, MD, PhD, Head of Exercise Medicine, Keski-Suomen, Central Finland.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “Life science companies of various stages call Westchester home, and we are dedicated to helping them continue to grow and find success. This event will shine a spotlight on one of the most potentially impactful aspects of healthcare, and we’re looking forward to an insightful discussion.”
Westchester County Director of Economic Development Bridget Gibbons said, “Life sciences is a pillar of our local economy, and the Office of Economic Development is invested in supporting the continued growth and success of our ecosystem. We are thrilled to once again partner with the Westchester County Association to shine a spotlight on the trends making the biggest impact on this exciting space.”
Deborah Novick, Westchester County Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, said: “Innovations in life sciences are happening every day in Westchester County, and discussions like these are designed to help spur ideas that could have a lasting impact on the sector. We’re anticipating a terrific turnout and a thought-provoking conversation.”
Amy Allen, Vice President of WCA, said: “Our county is home to top medical institutions and a growing life sciences industry. In order for Westchester to continue to be a leader in this field, it is important for us to continue to bring the leading minds in the space together for these important discussions that help create new opportunities and drive innovation.”
Mary Howard, WCBA Program Director and FirstXFounder CEO, said: “Healthcare is projected to total 40 percent of the GDP, and innovations that target prevention can potentially save money and improve quality of life for patients. We’re looking forward to speaking with some of the leading minds in the space about this important topic.”
The tri-state region leads the nation in recent Life Science activity. Westchester County, in particular, is home to the largest life sciences cluster in New York State, with over 8,000 jobs, representing over 20% of the State’s total (private sector) life sciences employment.
For more information and to register for the event, visit: https://lu.ma/2q0az722
About The Westchester County Office of Economic Development
The Westchester County Office of Economic Development works to improve the County’s economic well-being and quality of life. This includes a broad range of activities to attract, create and retain jobs, and to foster a resilient, pro-growth and inclusive economy. For information, visit https://westchestercatalyst.com/.
About Westchester County Biosciences Accelerator
Westchester County Biosciences Accelerator (WCBA) is a competitive-entry, six-month-long program that helps grow emerging bioscience ventures by providing scientist and engineer inventors entrepreneurship education and business networking to access global funders and prospective team members. WCBA supports the development of Westchester as a hub of bioscience invention and commercialization by harnessing the creativity and ambition present in the academic institutions, spinouts from established companies and serial entrepreneurs.
About the Westchester County Association
The Westchester County Association is the most influential organization of businesses and non-profits in Westchester and the surrounding region. We unite and mobilize professional leaders to promote issues and lead initiatives that strengthen our regional economy. We are dedicated to smart business growth and advancing the well-being of the community. Our key objectives are to promote positive economic development in the region, foster business development, and provide our members with access to key public and private sector individuals, agencies, and organizations. For more information about the Westchester County Association, visit www.westchester.org.