CVS Health Foundation Announces $1.5 Million in New Health Zones Funding: A Commitment to Community Health

WOONSOCKET, R.I., October 23, 2024 — In a significant move to enhance community health, the CVS Health® Foundation has announced a new funding initiative of $1.5 million aimed at expanding its Health Zones program. This funding will be allocated to three key partners: the Good Samaritan Health Center, Open Hand Atlanta, and Uber Health. The initiative is designed to improve access to comprehensive healthcare services, medically tailored meals, and transportation for patients suffering from chronic diseases. This announcement was made during the company’s Project Health event at the Good Samaritan Health Center, highlighting CVS Health’s ongoing commitment to bridging critical gaps in healthcare and social systems.

Understanding the Health Zones Initiative

The Health Zones initiative is a strategic response to the multifaceted challenges that individuals face in accessing healthcare. As Sheryl Burke, Senior Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility and Chief Sustainability Officer at CVS Health®, articulated, “An individual’s health is influenced by a continuous intersection of factors, such as access to health care, healthy food, and transportation.” By collaborating with organizations that have a deep understanding of the community, CVS Health aims to address the root causes of health disparities, particularly for patients with chronic diseases in Atlanta.

Addressing Chronic Disease in Georgia

Chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension are significant public health concerns in Georgia. According to recent statistics, diagnosed diabetes costs the state an estimated $11 billion annually. While the number of diabetes cases has seen a decline, the mortality rates associated with heart disease and diabetes have been on the rise since 2012. Recognizing this urgent need, the CVS Health Foundation has tailored its Health Zones initiative to specifically target these health issues in Atlanta.

The funding will enable the Good Samaritan Health Center to provide comprehensive clinical services, diabetic education, and a nurse navigator who will assist patients in navigating their healthcare journey. This nurse navigator will facilitate access to Uber Health for transportation and Open Hand Atlanta for medically tailored meals and educational resources, including a cooking class called Cooking Matters.

Impact and Progress in the First Six Months

The CVS Health Foundation has released impressive impact numbers that showcase the successes of the Health Zone partners over the past six months:

• 1,277 patients were referred to chronic disease support services.
• 40 participants were referred to medically tailored meals and Cooking Matters classes.
• Of the 317 diabetic participants, 156 have had a second A1C test, with 53% demonstrating improvement.
• Among the 710 hypertensive participants, 632 have had a second blood pressure analysis, with 56% showing improvement.
• The percentage of participants who reported skipping medication in the last 30 days decreased from 36.4% to 13.3%.

These numbers reflect the transformative impact of the Health Zones initiative on the lives of patients, illustrating how integrated care and support services can lead to better health outcomes.

Real-Life Impact: The Story of Blanca

The Health Zones initiative has made a tangible difference in the lives of individuals like Blanca, who credits her improved A1C levels to the Cooking Matters classes. Blanca shared her journey, stating, “One day, I had a lot of problems with my diabetes and I got really scared. They called me from the clinic about the classes, and I decided to attend to see what would happen.” After participating in the cooking classes, she began incorporating more vegetables into her meals, leading to a significant improvement in her health. Her story exemplifies the program’s success in empowering patients through education and support.

Project Health: Free Health Screenings

In conjunction with the funding announcement, CVS Health also provided free health screenings at the Good Samaritan Health Center through its Project Health initiative. This proactive program offers biometric screenings, including blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose levels, and body mass index, to identify early risks of chronic conditions. Participants also receive consultations with nurse practitioners and access to a directory of local healthcare providers.

This year, CVS Health has hosted 25 Project Health events in Atlanta, screening 675 participants and conducting a total of 2,363 screenings. The program is part of CVS Health’s broader commitment to improving community health across the country.

Commitment to Community Support

The CVS Health Foundation’s investment in Georgia is part of a larger commitment to build healthier communities. Recently, the company pledged over $1.25 million in monetary and product donations to support relief efforts in areas affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. This includes contributions to organizations like Americares and World Central Kitchen, which provided meals to those in need following the storms.

Additionally, CVS Health has invested in affordable housing initiatives across Georgia, contributing to the creation and preservation of nearly 5,100 units of affordable housing since 1997.

Conclusion

The CVS Health Foundation’s announcement of $1.5 million in new Health Zones funding marks a pivotal step in addressing the healthcare needs of communities in Atlanta. By focusing on chronic disease management and fostering partnerships with local organizations, CVS Health is not only improving health outcomes but also empowering individuals to take charge of their health. As the initiative continues to evolve, it promises to make a lasting impact on the lives of many, paving the way for a healthier future for all.

For more information on the Health Zones initiative and CVS Health’s ongoing community efforts, visit CVS Health.