The CVS Health Foundation has announced a $2 million grant to the Hispanic Health Council's Family Wellness Center in Hartford, Connecticut, to help bridge critical gaps in healthcare for residents with chronic conditions. The funding will also benefit partner agencies, including Mental Health Connecticut and the Villages for Families and Children.
"A variety of interconnected factors influences a person's health," said Sheryl Burke, Senior Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility and Chief Sustainability Officer at CVS Health. "To effectively address these specific barriers to improve health outcomes, we are collaborating with local organizations who know the community the best, like the Hispanic Health Council. This new funding in a city our Aetna corporate offices call home, illustrates the power of collaboration and the positive impact we can achieve when we work together to improve community health."
With over half of Connecticut's population living with at least one chronic condition, the grant aims to enhance access to preventive care, nutrition counseling, mental health services, and community health education. Part of the funding will enable the hiring of three patient navigators to guide at-risk individuals through the complex healthcare system.
"At the Hispanic Health Council, we are dedicated to ensuring that every individual has access to the care and resources necessary to thrive," said Ken Barela, CEO of the Hispanic Health Council. "Thanks to the generous support of the CVS Health Foundation, we are able to strengthen our community network by providing dedicated patient navigators who will guide individuals through the complexities of the health care system, ensuring they receive the care they need. With CVS Health's collaboration, our network of providers can more effectively integrate care and help us make future improvements and interventions. We are proud to join forces in expanding our impact and building a healthier, more resilient Hartford community."
In addition to the funding, CVS Health hosted a free health screening event at the Family Wellness Center through its Project Health initiative. Participants received on-site consultations and resources to support ongoing care. Project Health, which conducted over 1,500 screenings in Hartford last year, will continue offering services throughout the year.
This initiative builds on CVS Health and Aetna's longstanding commitment to Hartford, which includes $750,000 in grants last year and support for affordable housing and education. The latest funding underscores CVS Health’s dedication to improving health outcomes and reducing disparities in the community.
