RICHMOND, VA, May 9, 2023 — Aetna Better Health® of Virginia, a CVS Health® company (NYSE: CVS), announced that Aetna has made donations totaling $250,000 to three local community partners focused on improving the health and wellbeing of people in under-resourced areas. The donations will support access to mental health resources for children and address food insecurity across Virginia.
“Supporting community resources that help people — especially children — live healthier lives is central to our work in Virginia,” said Joel Gray, CEO, Aetna Better Health of Virginia. “Investing in organizations dedicated to improving the lives of our neighbors is a reflection of us being part of the communities we serve and our commitment to supporting the health and wellness of those in under-resourced communities.”
Aetna made donations to the following organizations:
Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD)
It is estimated that as many as one in five children experience a mental health condition in a given year. The donation will support CHKD’s Children’s Pavilion, a 60-bed mental health hospital and outpatient treatment facility designed to meet the needs of under-served children in crisis. The facility provides evidence-based, patient- and family-centered care, and serves as a hub for a comprehensive pediatric mental health program that also offers outpatient therapy and partial hospitalization programs to address the varied needs of pediatric mental health patients in the community.
“Aetna’s donation will help children who are struggling with severe depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and other mental health conditions that limit their ability to function successfully in school and with their families and peers,” said Jim Dahling, President and CEO of CHKD. “We are grateful that Aetna Better Health shares our commitment to the underserved. It takes all of us working together to make a difference in the lives of our children.”
Federation of Virginia Food Banks
Nearly 8% of Virginians experience food insecurity. The Federation of Virginia Food Banks and its network of regional food banks are working to fill this gap. The donation by Aetna will support Federation of Virginia Food Banks’ Health Pantry Initiative, a movement to help Virginia pantries meet the health and nutrition needs of people facing hunger. Funding will increase the pantries’ food and health education offerings, deepen their connections with other community and health partners and adopt practices that enhance the dignity of the charitable food experience.
“Aetna’s donation will help us continue collaborating across food banks, partners and neighbors statewide to improve food security and empower strong, healthy communities,” said Eddie Oliver, Executive Director, Federation of Virginia Food Banks. “We’re dedicated to providing healthier options for the people we serve with dignity and respect and thank Aetna for supporting us.”
Communities in Schools of Petersburg
Communities in Schools of Petersburg provides support to help students stay in school and be successful. Funding from Aetna will help create designated calming spaces for students to interact, reflect and express themselves in a safe environment during the school day. Designated spaces are planned for public schools across Petersburg. The donation will also provide food assistance to local middle and high school students.
Aetna Better Health has been providing quality care to Medicaid enrollees in Virginia since 1996. The health plan serves more than 250,000 enrollees across the state through the Cardinal Care 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 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 employees 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.
Media contact
Robert Joyce
Robert.Joyce@CVSHealth.com
