Humana Foundation invests $13m in health equity innovation

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct 12: The Humana Foundation, philanthropic arm of Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) for the past 40 years, has announced the first grants reflecting its elevated focus on advancing health equity and improving minority health so that vulnerable seniors, veterans and youth can live connected, healthy lives.

The $13 million investment includes the launch of a $7.5 million Health Equity Innovation Fund, which will identify and scale new solutions to eliminate health disparities in the Foundation’s two priority areas: Creating healthy emotional connections by increasing equity and access in mental health services, and shaping a healthier approach to nutrition by improving food education and security. Applications to the Fund are open and accessible to organizations everywhere that are innovating in these areas.

“As we look forward, we’re doubling down on our mission to advance health equity by working to eliminate unjust, avoidable and unnecessary barriers in health and healthcare,” said Tiffany Benjamin, CEO of the Humana Foundation. “On this World Mental Health Day, we’re addressing the need for more innovation, services and training to ensure greater equity in our nation’s mental health services. The investment is rooted in our belief that creating healthy emotional connections for vulnerable populations, with specific focus on minority and underserved populations, is a vital part of a holistic approach to care.”

The additional $5.5 million in grants will support community health organizations nationally and in the Foundation’s four key regions of Kentucky, Florida, Louisiana and Texas that are creating healthy emotional connections so that those affected have support to confront life’s challenges like isolation, trauma and addiction. The grants are also expanding racial equity training among the mental health workforce.

Following is more detail on the organizations receiving grants:

Volunteers of America will receive up to $3.8 million over three years, including $2.5 million in 2022; Alzheimer’s Association of Louisville and Southern Indiana will receive $250,000; Community Foundation of Louisville will receive $100,000; Community Safety and Healing Fund of Louisville will receive $50,000; LaCasita Center will receive $75,000; Cities United/ Tides (Florida and Louisiana) will receive $100,000; Community Foundation of Broward County (Florida) will receive $250,000; ElderSource (Florida) will receive $100,000.