James M. Sweeney, a healthcare entrepreneur credited with helping create the home infusion therapy industry and later founding Kids Set Free to support the fight against human trafficking and child exploitation, died on June 17, 2026.
Born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Sweeney later moved with his family to San Diego, where he began working as a teenager in the supply room at Sharp Hospital. That early exposure to healthcare shaped a career that would span more than six decades. After graduating from Kearny High School, he served as a combat medic in the U.S. Army Medical Corps and later earned a degree from San Diego State University.
Sweeney went on to found 14 healthcare companies, raising $2 billion in capital and generating more than $30 billion in exit value. None of the companies he started failed, according to information provided about his career.
His best-known venture was Caremark, founded in 1979 on the idea that patients receiving intravenous therapy did not always need to remain in the hospital. Instead, they could receive treatment at home, surrounded by family and at lower cost. Caremark became profitable within six months, grew to 75 centers nationwide within seven years, and was sold to Baxter Laboratories in 1987 for approximately $600 million. CVS later acquired Caremark in 2007.
Sweeney also founded Coram Healthcare, a specialty home infusion and tube feeding company later sold to CVS, and CardioNet, which became BioTelemetry and was acquired by Philips. He also helped bring Clarify Medical’s narrow-band UVB therapy device to market for patients with chronic skin conditions including psoriasis, vitiligo, and eczema.
Later in life, Sweeney turned his attention to humanitarian work. He founded Kids Set Free, a 501(c)(3) foundation created to support agencies and organizations combating child sexual exploitation. Kids Set Free later merged with Our Rescue, where Sweeney served on the Board of Directors beginning in 2024.
Our Rescue remembered Sweeney as a committed supporter of its mission.
“Our Rescue is saddened to hear of James Sweeney’s passing. A member of our Board of Directors since 2024, James championed our mission to protect children and to support human trafficking survivors, lending his voice, knowledge, and experience to this cause,” said Our Rescue. “James was a kind, thoughtful presence on our board, and a true champion in the fight against human trafficking and child exploitation. The work we do today is stronger because of board members like James. He will be missed,” said Derek Benner, CEO of Our Rescue.
Our Rescue Board Chair Sean Vassilaros also recognized Sweeney’s contribution.
“As a board, we were fortunate to have James’ support and guidance. As an organization, we recognize that this world needs more advocates like James who demonstrate daily their commitment to the fight against human trafficking and child exploitation and to help survivors on their healing journey,” Vassilaros said.
Sweeney received two Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards, in 1995 and 2004, and was inducted into the World Hall of Fame. He was also named Alumnus of the Year by San Diego State University and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Corporate Directors Forum.
Across healthcare and humanitarian work, Sweeney’s career was defined by building organizations aimed at moving care closer to people who needed it, whether through home-based medical treatment or support for survivors of exploitation.
