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Cigna Group Foundation's Youth Mental Health Initiative

The Cigna Group Foundation has made compelling strides in improving youth mental health through its recent report, the Improving Youth Mental Health 2025 Impact Report. Released on October 9, 2025, this report showcases the foundation's impact in uplifting the lives of over 34,000 youth, families, and professionals across 10 states. By allocating more than $3 million in grants to 23 nonprofit organizations, Cigna is facilitating access to vital mental health resources in underserved communities.

A Commitment to Change

As the philanthropic arm of The Cigna Group (NYSE: CI), the foundation emphasizes its mission to enhance mental health outcomes and accessibility through its comprehensive youth mental health grant program. The foundation has implemented community-based initiatives aimed at addressing the ongoing youth mental health crisis that has reached alarming levels across the nation.

Melissa Skottegaard, the board chair of The Cigna Group Foundation, stated, "Through our nonprofit partners, we meet youth where they are, whether at home, in school, or in the community. Our goal is to help them build the skills and support systems they need to thrive". This portrayal encapsulates the essence of the foundation's approach, emphasizing a community-first strategy in tackling the mental health needs of the youth.

Outcomes and Achievements

The grant program has executed a variety of critical activities designed to empower both youth and the adults in their lives:

• - 8,576 youth mental health education sessions
• - 4,392 behavioral health therapy sessions
• - 6,759 social-emotional learning activities
• - 8,397 adult mental health literacy trainings
• - 5,960 case management, grief counseling, mentoring, and parental engagement workshops

These initiatives have reported an impressive outcome achievement rate of up to 94% for specific youth mental health goals, indicating noteworthy progress in areas such as access to care, emotional resilience, social connectedness, and overall school success.

Real Stories, Real Impacts

One youth participant shared their experience with the program at the New London Counseling Center in Pennsylvania. Supported by grant funding, they expressed, "If I never came here, I don't know if I'd still be here. Counseling helped me get everything off my chest. For so long, I kept everything bottled up. Now I feel lighter." Such testimonials underline the profound effects of community support and mental health services on young individuals.

A Broader Investment in Healthier Futures

The total investment directed towards these community initiatives is part of a broader $27 million commitment over three years, aimed at building healthier futures through community-based care. This includes a focus on early intervention, culturally impactful programming, and educational support for caregivers and educators, enhancing the emotional well-being of young individuals.

Efforts led by the Boys and Girls Clubs of America have shown significant engagement with the foundation’s goals. They reported the integration of trauma-informed practices in over 81% of clubs, developed a teen mental health guide, and distributed nearly 1,000 youth mental health packs created by Cigna employees, fortified through active community collaboration. Additionally, the foundation has announced plans to open a new application period in early 2026 for organizations focusing on youth mental health, reflecting its continued dedication to this crucial cause.

About The Cigna Group Foundation

The Cigna Group Foundation is committed to partnering with nonprofit organizations to tackle prevalent health challenges in society. It aims to create access to care in high-need areas and responds to critical situations with humanitarian aid. The foundation's initiatives are driven by The Cigna Group (NYSE: CI), a global health organization recognized for its dedication to improving health outcomes and fostering healthier communities worldwide. To learn more about their mission, visit www.thecignagroup.com/community.