2024 action plan includes key partnerships, sponsorships and volunteer hours to make a long-term impact on housing security
LOUISVILLE, KY, July 16, 2024 — Aetna Better Health of Kentucky, a CVS Health® company (NYSE: CVS), today announced its commitment to housing security across Kentucky. In the first quarter of 2024, Aetna dedicated more than $130,000 in donations, sponsorships and supplies to community organizations across the state that provide and support critical housing services.
According to the 2023 report from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), it is estimated that 4,766 Kentuckians experienced homelessness in January 2023, 30.8% of which were unsheltered. To address the issue, Aetna Better Health of Kentucky has committed financial support to key organizations, developed new and existing relationships with community partners and utilized a locally tailored, outcome-based approach to caring for members.
“Factors such as economic instability, rising housing costs and limited availability of low-income housing contribute to a growing concern for Kentucky families and individuals struggling to find and maintain stable living conditions,” said Aetna Better Health of Kentucky CEO Paige Franklin. “The impact of housing insecurity extends beyond immediate stress and uncertainty; it significantly affects the physical and mental health of those experiencing it.”
Aetna Better Health of Kentucky has taken a surround-sound approach to addressing housing insecurity in the state. In addition to direct housing support, community partners reduce barriers to sustainable housing by providing workforce training, health care services and essential supplies.
One of those organizations, Coalition for the Homeless based in Jefferson County, will facilitate bi-directional education and information sharing to help connect Aetna Better Health of Kentucky members with local resources. Additionally, sponsorships totaling $10,000 supported the publication of “Street Tips,” an annual booklet that outlines critical resources for unhoused individuals, and the Rx: Housing Fund, a grant fund that helps eliminate financial barriers to housing such as deposits, moving costs and storage.
“Only by working together can we ensure that every Kentuckian has a safe, affordable place to live with the community supports they need to thrive,” said Natalie Harris, Executive Director, Coalition for the Homeless.
In addition to financial contributions and supply donations, Aetna Better Health of Kentucky has demonstrated a commitment to addressing critical housing needs through over 100 hours of volunteer time dedicated to strengthening programs directly tackling housing insecurity. This multi-faceted approach aims to build resilient communities where all Kentuckians have safe, affordable housing.
Aetna provided the following organizations donations, sponsorships or supplies:
Coalition for the Homeless (Jefferson County)
Hope Village of Jefferson County
Up for Women and Children
Paducah Cooperative Ministry
The Nest (Fayette County)
Goodwill Industries, Inc.
First Gethsemane Center for Family Development, Inc. (CFD)
FQHC Phoenix Health Care
Hope Village of Jefferson County
Bless the Block
Tp3
Habitat for Humanity
Abraham’s Pantry
Fayette County LexCount
Lexington Rescue Mission
Scott County Elizabeth Village
Gateway House
Floyd County Homeless Shelter
Powell County Homeless Coalition
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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, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, 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
