Commits $9M
in Grants to Reduce Health Disparities beginning with the
Houston, TX and Hartford, CT Communities
BLOOMFIELD, Conn., July 22,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its ongoing
commitment to community health and vitality, global health company
The Cigna Group (NYSE: CI) today announced the creation of The
Cigna Group Health Equity Impact Fund, a community program in which
The Cigna Group Foundation will commit $9
million over three years to reduce key health barriers by
specifically targeting health disparities most prevalent in local
communities.
The Cigna Group Health Equity Impact Fund will focus on specific
geographies where health disparities are significant and work
collaboratively to support, convene, and collaborate with nonprofit
organizations serving local community members to address root
causes of health inequities. To optimize the level of impact
in communities of need, the fund will operate on a hyper-local
level in select cities located within The Cigna Group's priority
states, starting with Houston, TX,
and Hartford, CT.
"We are committed to advancing health equity in Houston, as it has some of the starkest health
disparities nationwide, especially among people of color," said
Melissa Skottegaard, board chair of
The Cigna Group Foundation. "We'll start by addressing those key
social determinates of health – things like food, transportation
and access to equitable care – to ensure that those who are
underserved throughout Houston
have the things they need to thrive. We are proud to already have
longstanding partnerships in the area, and we look forward to
collaborating with nonprofit organizations to improve the health
and vitality of Houston and other
communities in need."
Houston is among the most
challenged communities in the nation for health disparities and
outcomes, with a high prevalence of obesity and diabetes
disproportionately impacting Blacks and Hispanics. According to the
data from Understanding Houston, more than 40% of Black and
Hispanic residents are obese and 25% of all Houston adults self-report that they do not
get enough exercise.
The lack of access to quality health care, a high occurrence of
sedentary lifestyles and limited access to healthy, affordable
foods are key drivers contributing to Houston's health disparities. To close those
gaps, The Cigna Group Health Equity Impact Fund used a data-led
approach to identify the following funding program goals in
Houston, supporting Hispanic
adults (18+ years old):
- Provide innovative methods and distribution channels for
ongoing nutrition education and fresh food access.
- Increase access to transportation to attend health visits and
healthy physical activities.
The Cigna Group Foundation has a long history of impactful
partnerships with nonprofits, and recently announced a multiyear
philanthropic and community engagement initiative that has
committed $27 million in grants over
the next three years to nonprofit organizations focused on
improving youth mental health, improving veteran mental health
through housing stability, and reducing barriers to health
equity.
More information about the approach, application process, and
requirements for The Cigna Group Health Equity Impact Fund can be
found here.
About The Cigna Group
The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) is a
global health company committed to creating a better future built
on the vitality of every individual and every community. We
relentlessly challenge ourselves to partner and innovate solutions
for better health. The Cigna Group includes products and services
marketed under Cigna Healthcare, Evernorth Health Services or its
subsidiaries. The Cigna Group maintains sales capabilities in more
than 30 countries and jurisdictions and has more than 187 million
customer relationships around the world. Learn more at
thecignagroup.com.
About The Cigna Group Foundation
The Cigna Group
Foundation is a private foundation funded by contributions from The
Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) and its subsidiaries. The Cigna Group
Foundation supports organizations sharing its commitment to
enhancing the health of individuals and families, and the
well-being of their communities, with a special focus on those
communities where employees of The Cigna Group live and work.
Media Contact
Jocelyn Parker
(313) 510-4173
Jocelyn.Parker@CignaHealthcare.com
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-cigna-group-foundation-launches-its-health-equity-impact-fund-302202155.html
SOURCE The Cigna Group