Aetna Grants $250K to MI Social Determinants of Health 2023
Aetna’s Michigan Medicaid plan awarded $250,000 to 10 community-based groups to address social determinants of health (SDOH) and promote health equity.
“Since low income is often linked with poor health and life expectancy, those experiencing poverty often need to choose between medicine or keeping a roof over their head,” said Teressa Smith, CEO of Aetna Better Health of Michigan. We help the state enhance the health and well-being of Michiganders in under-resourced neighborhoods by investing in local providers and community groups.
According to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and Michigan Association of United Ways, 1.4 million Michiganders live in poverty. Nearly 38% of state households struggle with food, housing, childcare, technology, healthcare, and transportation.
Aetna Better Health of Michigan will grant $25,000 to each community partner that improves SDOH employment, housing, food, or treatment.
Aetna will donate to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Southwest Michigan and Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit to support career development and employment retention. Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit’s SURGE Center will also get funding to help entry-level workers with life challenges that might hinder employment retention.
Two organisations are supported for Housing Stability to help the needy live in safety. The Community Action Agency of South Central Michigan’s Rental & Utility Assistance program will use the funding to help qualified, low-income residents avoid eviction and homelessness by providing rental assistance, eviction prevention, first-month rent/deposit support, and utility assistance.
Three organizations are sponsored in food security, which emphasizes nutrition’s role in health. Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes, Inc.’s Grocery Pantry Program will distribute nutritious food twice a month to needy families.
Matrix Human Services’ Food for Health Program and Senior Healthy Living Initiative will receive Food Rx kits, nutritional literacy, health exams, and benefit help.
South Michigan Food Bank’s Fresh Food and Pantry Staple Distributions Program will purchase, package, and distribute fresh and non-perishable commodities.
Three health and social care programs are funded to reduce obstacles to care and improve quality of life. The gift will help Wayne Children’s Healthcare Access Program, Inc. staff reach out to high-risk patients, increase vaccination rates, and screen for health and social concerns. MiCHWA’s Project E2CHW also seeks to educate and assist community health workers. The third grantee, NSO’s Medical Respite Program, helps homeless people with continuous care.