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 an allocation of $1.5 million in new funding for its Health Zones initiative. This funding will be distributed among three key organizations: the Good Samaritan Health Center, Open Hand Atlanta, and Uber Health. The announcement was made during the company’s Project Health event at the Good Samaritan Health Center, emphasizing CVS Health’s dedication to bridging critical gaps in healthcare access and addressing the needs of patients with chronic diseases.

Understanding the Health Zones Initiative

The Health Zones initiative is designed to tackle the multifaceted challenges that individuals face in accessing healthcare, nutritious food, and reliable transportation. Sheryl Burke, Senior Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility and Chief Sustainability Officer at CVS Health®, highlighted the importance of understanding the root causes of health disparities. “An individual’s health is influenced by a continuous intersection of factors, such as access to health care, healthy food, and transportation,” she stated. By collaborating with local organizations that have a deep understanding of community needs, CVS Health aims to improve health outcomes for patients suffering from chronic diseases in Atlanta.

Addressing Chronic Diseases in Georgia

Georgia faces significant health challenges, particularly concerning diabetes and hypertension. According to recent statistics, diagnosed diabetes costs the state an estimated $11 billion annually. While the number of diabetes cases has decreased, deaths related to heart disease and diabetes have been on the rise since 2012. In response, the CVS Health Foundation has tailored its Health Zones initiative to specifically address these pressing health issues.

The funding will support the Good Samaritan Health Center in providing comprehensive clinical services, diabetic education, and a nurse navigator program. This initiative aims to guide patients in utilizing Uber Health for transportation and Open Hand Atlanta for medically tailored meals and educational resources. The Cooking Matters program, which teaches participants how to prepare healthy meals, is a key component of this effort.

Impact and Progress in the First Six Months

The CVS Health Foundation has released impressive impact numbers that showcase the success of the Health Zones initiative over its first six months:

• 1,277 patients were referred to chronic disease support services.
• 40 participants were connected to medically tailored meals and Cooking Matters classes.
• Among 317 diabetic participants, 156 had a second A1c test, with 53% showing improvement.
• Of the 710 hypertensive participants, 632 had a second blood pressure analysis, with 56% demonstrating improvement.
• Notably, 13.3% of participants reported skipping medication in the last 30 days, a significant decrease from 36.4% at the program’s outset.

These statistics reflect the positive changes being made in the lives of patients, reinforcing the importance of integrated care and community support.

Personal Stories of Transformation

The impact of the Health Zones initiative is best illustrated through personal stories. One such story is that of Blanca, a participant who credits her improved A1C levels to the Cooking Matters classes. “One day, I had a lot of problems with my diabetes and I got really scared,” she shared. After attending the classes, she began cooking with more vegetables and saw a significant improvement in her health. “I’m very grateful to Eliza for her patience in teaching and educating us about our daily nutrition. It was a great experience for me and my husband,” Blanca expressed.

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 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 continues to be offered throughout the year, with a full schedule available online.

Commitment to Community Support

CVS Health’s commitment to supporting Georgia extends beyond the Health Zones initiative. The company has recently contributed over $1.25 million in monetary and product donations to assist communities affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. This includes partnerships with organizations like Americares and World Central Kitchen, which provided meals to those in need.

Additionally, CVS Health has invested in the creation and preservation of nearly 5,100 units of affordable housing across Georgia, demonstrating a holistic approach to community health and well-being.

Conclusion

The CVS Health Foundation’s announcement of $1.5 million in new Health Zones funding marks a significant step towards improving health outcomes for individuals with chronic diseases in Atlanta. By addressing the interconnected factors of healthcare access, nutrition, and transportation, CVS Health is making strides in creating healthier communities. As the initiative continues to evolve, the foundation remains committed to fostering partnerships that empower individuals and promote health equity across the state.

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