The Fund will distribute another
$3 million to nonprofits to improve
health outcomes
BLOOMFIELD, Conn., June 4, 2025
/PRNewswire/ -- The Cigna Group Foundation today announced the
second year of grants from its Health Equity Impact Fund. The
initiative will allocate a total of $3
million to two cities: Hartford,
Conn., where it began last year, and St. Louis, Mo., which struggles with
significant health disparities among its adult residents.
"Creating healthier communities starts with supporting healthy
habits and improving equitable access to care," said Melissa Skottegaard, board chair of The Cigna
Group Foundation. "Since we created the Health Equity Impact
Fund last year, we've helped more than a dozen local organizations
achieve their goals. With another $3
million to invest through grantmaking this year, we're proud
to focus on two communities where our roots run deep – Hartford and St.
Louis. These vibrant communities are home to thousands of
our colleagues, and we are committed to taking action to ensure our
neighbors thrive for years to come."
The Cigna Group Health Equity Impact Fund focuses on specific
geographies where gaps in care are most pronounced, working
collaboratively with nonprofit organizations to address the root
causes of these inequities. The $9
million, three-year fund commits $3
million per grant cycle to help communities improve health
outcomes.
Fund to address access to care, substance use
disorder
Hartford,
Conn.
In Hartford, The Cigna Group Health
Equity Impact Fund will continue to advance health equity for
adults who lack access to primary care and transportation. The city
faces high poverty rates and lower life expectancy compared to
other areas in Connecticut.
Key program goals in Hartford
include:
- Expanding Culturally Appropriate Care: Increasing the
availability of providers and community-based resources for adults
that reflect culturally appropriate care models.
- Improving Transportation Access: Enhancing
transportation options to help adults attend health visits and
participate in healthy physical activities.
St. Louis,
Mo.
St. Louis
residents experience disproportionately higher rates of death from
substance use disorder and are more likely to visit the emergency
room for mental health challenges compared to other counties in
Missouri.
Key program goals in St. Louis
include:
- Substance Use Disorder Treatment: Increasing access to
treatment and support services for substance use disorder in
adults.
- Mental Health Services: Expanding access to mental
health care and resources for adults.
Funding for eligible nonprofits in both cities are two-year
grant terms, with each grant up to $250,000.
The Cigna Group Foundation has a long history of impactful
partnerships with nonprofits, and in 2024 announced a multiyear
philanthropic and community engagement initiative that committed
$27 million in grants over three
years to nonprofit organizations focused on improving youth mental
health, improving veteran mental health through housing stability,
and reducing barriers to health equity.
How to apply
Nonprofit organizations based in or
directly providing programs and services in Hartford, Conn., or St. Louis, Mo. can learn more
about their eligibility for The Cigna Group Health
Equity Impact Fund by visiting our website.
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 aims to support, collaborate, and convene
with nonprofit organizations addressing society's greatest health
challenges. In addition to increasing access to programs and care
in geographies demonstrating significant need, the Foundation
responds with humanitarian aid relief during critical times and
strengthens colleagues' support of causes through matching
donations and volunteer rewards. To learn more, visit
www.thecignagroup.com/community.
Media Contact
Jocelyn Parker
(313) 510-4173
Jocelyn.Parker@CignaHealthcare.com
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SOURCE The Cigna Group