The American Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, has been awarded a $250,000 grant through The Cigna Group Health Equity Impact Fund by The Cigna Group Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Cigna Group (NYSE: CI). This funding will strengthen community-based programs designed to reduce long-standing health disparities and expand access to essential resources for underserved populations.
“This grant enhances our ability to advance equitable health outcomes in the communities we serve,” said Lynette Coleman, American Heart Association, vice president community impact, Connecticut. “With this support, we will expand evidence-based initiatives that address barriers such as access to preventive care, and culturally responsive services. We are grateful for The Cigna Group Foundation’s collaboration in this work.”
Research shows that up to 80% of a person’s health outcomes are influenced by social drivers of health, including housing stability, education, economic opportunity, transportation, and food access. These factors disproportionately affect underserved communities, contributing to preventable gaps in health status, life expectancy, and chronic disease outcomes.
“Progress toward health equity requires us to confront disparities at their source and partner closely with organizations that truly understand their communities,” said Andrea Nelson, Board Member, The Cigna Group Foundation. “We are proud to support the American Heart Association in Connecticut as they work to eliminate structural barriers and broaden access to essential health resources. Together, we’re creating sustainable pathways to fairer, healthier outcomes.”
The Cigna Group Health Equity Impact Fund focuses on U.S. cities with pronounced health inequities, including Hartford, CT. Research shows that Hartford struggles with high poverty rates and lower life expectancy compared to other Connecticut cities. Additionally, Hartford residents are disproportionately likely to forgo health care due to lack of access to reliable transportation, and lack of access to primary care and/or lack of trust in care.
The Cigna Group Foundation has a long history of impactful partnerships with nonprofits and announced a philanthropic and community engagement initiative that has committed more than $27 million in grants over three years to nonprofit organizations focused on improving youth and veteran mental health, and by reducing barriers to health equity. The Health Equity Impact Fund is part of these grants.
More information on The Cigna Group Health Equity Impact Fund can be found here. Additional information about the American Heart Association’s programs can be found here.