ATLANTA, July 11, 2023 — Aetna Better Health® of Georgia, a CVS Health® company (NYSE: CVS), announced that Aetna® has provided a community investment of $20,000 to the Agape Community Center. The investment will bolster the center's in-school, after-school and summer camp programs, providing youth with a transformative pathway out of poverty by emphasizing academic achievement. The collaboration also supports the State’s priority to address the literacy needs of Georgia youth.
“With a remarkable 95% high school graduation rate among Agape participants who remain in the program through the 12th grade, it’s evident that Agape is making an incredible impact on Atlanta’s students,” said Georgia-based Sonya Nelson, Division President at Aetna Medicaid. “Agape’s vision and whole-child approach aligns closely with our commitment to empowering Georgia’s underserved populations and strengthening communities from within to improve quality of life and overall health outcomes. By investing in these programs, we’re able to provide underserved youth with the resources they need to excel academically and create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.”
Guided by their mission to create a safe and nurturing community for Atlanta youth, the Agape Community Center places a strong emphasis on programs that foster academic growth and personal development. Agape’s programs are active in multiple schools throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area and support 200 school-age children. On average, Agape’s high school seniors participate in the program for 12 years. Agape’s programs impact diverse populations, with Hispanic/Latino and African American students representing 80% and 20% of enrolled students, respectively, in 2022.
The funds from Aetna will go toward multiple Agape programs, including in-school and after-school programs, to provide individualized, one-on-one academic support for elementary, middle and high school students, along with holistic health activities, character building workshops, nutritious dinners and free transportation. In addition to school-based programs, the funds will support Agape’s summer camp programs, including Camp JumpSmart for kindergarten through second grade students, GoGirlGo! and FIT Camp for third through seventh grade students, and Elevate for eighth through 12th grade students.
“Education is one of several key factors in breaking the cycle of poverty. Our goal is that, through our programs, students will have personalized guidance and educational opportunities that set them up for long-term success,” said Nell Benn, Chief Executive Officer of the Agape Youth & Family Center. “These programs have become a safe haven for our students. Aetna’s contribution will help us continue to foster a positive and supportive environment and serve Atlanta youth year-round.”
Inclusive of this donation, Aetna has recently invested over $2 million in local, community-based organizations across the state to support underserved populations in Georgia. This funding will help address the care needs of people in both urban and rural communities to help ensure all Georgians have access to holistic, quality care.
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About Aetna Medicaid
Aetna Medicaid Administrators LLC (Aetna Medicaid) has over 30 years of experience managing the care of under-resourced populations, using innovative approaches and a local presence in each market to achieve both successful health care results and effective cost outcomes. Aetna Medicaid has 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 members 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 like no one else can. We reach more people and improve the health of communities across America through our local presence, digital channels and over 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. Follow @CVSHealth on social media.
Media contact
Robert Joyce
Robert.Joyce@CVSHealth.com
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