The Humana Foundation, philanthropic arm of Humana Inc. has announced it will deploy $50 million in immediate short-term and long-term relief and partner with national and community service organizations to help those disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 health crisis. The commitment, the largest in the Foundation’s 38-year history, will be split between organizations that support essential workers, food security, behavioral health and community-based organizations (CBO).
The Humana Foundation will distribute $34 million of the $50 million commitment to the immediate short-term response efforts of service organizations on the frontlines of the COVID-19 health crisis. These service organizations and response efforts include support for:
-
Essential workers: Funds will go toward free and charitable health care clinics led by volunteer family physicians, as well as personal protective equipment (PPE) and other necessary equipment and services for those working on the front lines, including care providers, clinicians and nurses. Funding will also support the financial and employment development needs of other low wage essential workers, including home health and personal care aides and those working in public transportation, grocery store operations, manufacturing plants and homeless shelters. Partners include the American Nurses Foundation, Center for Disaster Philanthropy, Louisville Urban League, National Domestic Workers Alliance and One Fair Wage.
-
Food security: Regional food banks, delivery services and pantries across the country are experiencing increased demand for basic food needs. Funds will help to sustain food bank operations and expand food resources to families nationwide. Increasing access to nutritious food lays a stronger foundation for healthy communities. Partners include Feeding America, Meals on Wheels and Share Our Strength.
-
Behavioral health: Due to the uncertainty surrounding the novel coronavirus, experts are predicting people may feel increased levels of loneliness, anxiety, depression and substance abuse. Financial support in this area will help behavioral health organizations sustain their work helping young children and families manage mental hardships during this trying time and into the future. Support will also fund a national initiative to expand use of digital health technology to older Americans. Partners include Older Adults Technology Services and Volunteers of America.
-
CBOs: Community-based organizations are facing a greater strain, both financially and operationally, as their local communities deal with new challenges. Funds will provide financial assistance to nonprofit organizations in partnership with community foundations in Humana’s Bold Goal communities.
The Humana Foundation will distribute $16 million of the $50 million commitment to long-term recovery and rebuilding support for service organizations helping battle COVID-19. These partnerships will focus on food security needs, holistic behavioral health services and supporting CBOs in their efforts to address intentionally social determinants of health needs in local communities across the country. Partnerships include March of Dimes and Federally Qualified Health Centers.
“As the COVID-19 health crisis continues throughout our country, it is exposing daily challenges for Americans, and many are struggling,” said Bruce D. Broussard, Chairman of the Board of The Humana Foundation. “With this funding, we will help individuals and communities address immediate needs related to health care, food and employment. And, long term, these resources will serve as a catalyst in building capabilities and community resiliency, and ultimately sustainable, long-term success.”
To find out more about this donation, along with other ways in which The Humana Foundation is working to improve and sustain positive health outcomes, go to www.humanafoundation.org.
