Alnylam Challengers Program Addresses Global Health Inequities – Case
Challenge
Create and implement a bold, differentiated, impact-driven signature social impact program that emphasizes perseverance and innovation, and brings Alnylam’s brand and corporate responsibility commitment to life.
Select Activities
- Signature program development
- Strategic planning
- Naming + messaging
- Impact storytelling
- Skills-based volunteerism
- Public-private partnerships
- Measurement + evaluation
Select Activities
- Program development
- Strategic planning
- Naming + messaging
- Impact storytelling
- Skills-based volunteerism
- Community events
- Public-private partnerships
- Measurement + evaluation
Background
Challenge Accepted is a guiding mantra for Alnylam, a leading global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of RNA interference therapeutics. Over the past 23 years, they have been unwavering in their entrepreneurial mindset and in their dedication to turn Nobel Prize-winning science into an entirely new class of medicines. Founded to initially treat rare diseases, employees are deeply committed to ensuring everyone has a fair and just opportunity to live the healthiest life possible, no matter who they are or where they live.
This passion guided the development of the Alnylam Challengers social impact program and its focus on addressing health inequities and barriers to health care access for underserved populations.
Through deep issue research in partnership with Cause Consulting, Alnylam recognized that tackling health inequities and increasing access to care requires supporting problem solvers across all sectors who are willing to take risks, find new solutions, and advocate for change.
Alnylam Challengers was strategically designed to align with Alnylam’s Corporate Responsibility theme—Accepting Challenges to Improve the Health of Humanity— and be a leading proof point within its CR and ESG reports.
About the Program
Alnylam Challengers seeks to improve health outcomes by rallying behind bold leaders and organizations increasing access to personalized care and support services for under-resourced communities. These “Challengers” – community health workers, patient navigators, nonprofit leaders, social entrepreneurs, and volunteers – are activating innovative approaches to deliver culturally competent care and connect people to much needed community and health-related resources.
Through a multi-year partnership with Acumen America launched in 2021, Alnylam advances and amplifies the work of eighteen innovative, entrepreneurial organizations removing barriers to healthcare access and addressing other Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), including transportation, medication adherence, insurance, and language barriers. This program seeks to raise awareness of systemic health equity issues, advance the work of bold business and nonprofit models, and improve the health of underrepresented people.
At the Alnylam Challengers Symposium in January 2024, inspirational leaders Emily Brown of Attane Health and Jonathan Kumar of Samaritan shared their social impact business models and entrepreneurial approaches to improving access to nutritious food and housing with Alnylam employees and Boston leaders.
Alnylam Challengers expanded to Europe and formed partnerships with four innovative local NGOs supporting refugees in their journey toward employment and entrepreneurship. Securing quality work can break the cycle of poverty, enable people to improve their health outcomes, and establish more stable lives for themselves and their families.