Skip to main content

CVS Health Foundation supports expansion of equitable access to mental health care services in underserved communities

August 26, 2022 | Community

A mental health counselor speaking to a client seated across the table from her.

Along with CVS Health’s commitment to increasing equitable access to quality mental health care services and resources, the CVS Health Foundation is supporting the efforts of the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) to expand the number of licensed mental health clinicians and mental health care services throughout the country with a $1.5 million grant to be distributed to members of NAFC for the purpose of increasing access to health care in areas of significant need.

“Our collaboration with NAFC is coming at a critical moment as we continue to see the rising rates of depression and substance misuse, with many unsure of where to turn,” said Sheryl Burke, Senior Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility at CVS Health. “Together, we’re working to increase access to mental health care, particularly for those who don’t have equal access to these services.”

Through this grant, NAFC member clinics will be able to add more than 250 mental and behavioral health clinicians. This will allow more than 135,000 additional hours of supportive care and will serve over 50,000 patients annually. The States where these grants will be distributed include Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and West Virginia.
 
“The need for increased access to mental health care services is felt throughout Free and Charitable Clinics and their communities throughout the country,” said Nicole Lamoureux, NAFC President, and CEO. “We are grateful for our continued partnership with the CVS Health Foundation and their commitment to expanding access to these important services.”

For years, NAFC has ensured the medically underserved have access to quality care. Powered largely by volunteer staff, free and charitable clinics serve two million patients annually across the U.S. and provide critical health care services to those who need them most.

CVS Health has a longstanding relationship with NAFC. Together, CVS Health and the CVS Health Foundation have provided more than $16.5 million to support clinics nationwide over the last seven years.

Learn more about the CVS Health Foundation.