BATON ROUGE, La. — Aetna Better Health of Louisiana, a CVS Health company, announced that it provided $50,000 to The Walls Project
to target food insecurity in underserved areas of the community. The funding will support Baton Roots, a program that creates an opportunity for Baton Rouge communities to learn best practices in sustainable agriculture on an urban farm.
Since 2019, Aetna Better Health of Louisiana has invested more than $775,000 across the state as part of our continuing effort to support community-based programs and organizations that focus on addressing the social care needs of Medicaid members and their communities. Additionally, in 2021, CVS Health committed more than $27 million to build 435 affordable housing units for families and seniors in Louisiana, including recently announced investments in New Orleans and Opelousas.
“Confronting food insecurity is vital for enabling individuals and families in underserved communities to achieve better health,” said Richard Born, CEO, Aetna Better Health of Louisiana. “Our collaboration with The Walls Project will help Baton Rouge communities learn best practices in sustainable agriculture on an urban farm and distribute food to those in need.”
The grant will go toward The Walls Project’s Baton Roots program, enabling Baton Rouge residents young and old to grow, learn about and eat healthy produce at no cost. The tiered offerings allow communities to choose the services needed to ensure the success and longevity of their garden.
“We appreciate the support Aetna Better Health of Louisiana is providing to communities in Baton Rouge,” said Casey Phillips, Executive Director of The Walls Project. “The funding will help address food insecurity in Baton Rouge and break through the walls of poverty.”
Aetna Better Health has been providing quality care to Medicaid enrollees in Louisiana for more than six years. The health plan serves over 150,000 enrollees across the state through the Louisiana Medicaid Managed Care Program.
About Aetna Medicaid
Aetna Medicaid Administrators LLC (Aetna Medicaid), a CVS Health company, has over 30 years of experience managing the care of the most medically vulnerable, using innovative approaches and a local presence in each market to achieve both successful health care results and effective cost outcomes. Aetna Medicaid has particular expertise serving high-need Medicaid members, including those who are dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare. Currently, Aetna Medicaid owns and/or administers Medicaid managed health care plans under the names of Aetna Better Health and other affiliate names. Together, these plans serve approximately 2.8 million people in 16 states, including Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. For more information, see www.aetnabetterhealth.com.
About CVS Health
CVS Health is the leading health solutions company, delivering care in ways no one else can. We reach more people and improve the health of communities across America through our local presence, digital channels and approximately 300,000 dedicated colleagues – including more than 40,000 physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and nurse practitioners. Wherever and whenever people need us, we help them with their health whether that’s managing chronic diseases, staying compliant with their medications, or accessing affordable health and wellness services in the most convenient ways. We help people navigate the health care system and their personal health care by improving access, lowering costs and being a trusted partner for every meaningful moment of health. And we do it all with heart, each and every day. Learn more at www.cvshealth.com.
Aetna Media Contact
Robert Joyce
joycer@aetna.com