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The Cigna Group Foundation's Commitment to Youth Mental Health

In a decisive move to counter the ongoing youth mental health crisis, the Cigna Group Foundation has opened its application process for 2025 grant funding. This initiative is part of a broader three-year commitment that totals $9 million aimed at addressing the mental health challenges exacerbated by the pandemic, particularly among children aged 5 to 18.

Background and Context
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly impacted the mental health of young people across the nation. Mental health issues among this demographic have surged, with a 28% increase in reported conditions since 2018. Alarmingly, the prevalence of youth with multiple mental health diagnoses has risen by 48% during the same period. Recognizing this urgent need, the Cigna Group Foundation has pledged to support nonprofit organizations that provide essential services and programs designed to bolster mental well-being in local communities.

Details of the Grant Initiative
The Foundation's $9 million commitment allows for $3 million in funding to be allocated each year from 2024 through 2026. It aims to not only address the mental health needs of youth directly but also to equip parents, caregivers, and youth service providers, such as educators and therapists, with the resources they need to support these children effectively. The application window for eligible organizations runs until March 13, 2025, targeting specific regions where the Cigna Group has a significant customer presence and which also show high social determinant health risks.

Focus Areas for Funding
The Cigna Group Foundation is particularly focused on regions that experience substantial social and economic challenges, including states like Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, and Texas. The funding will be used to implement programs that promote social-emotional skills, equip caregivers, and create more accessible paths to mental health interventions and care services.

Melissa Skottegaard, board chair of the Foundation, underscored the organization's commitment to making a meaningful impact, stating, "We've already seen the positive impacts of these collaborations in several communities where organizations are using grant funds to expand or launch vital youth programs. We look forward to this second year of grants to drive collective impact and create a world where young people can thrive."

Highlighting First-Year Achievements
In its inaugural year, the Cigna Group Foundation successfully funded 28 organizations aimed at enhancing youth mental health resources. For instance, a notable program, Eluna's Camp Erin, received $150,000 to expand its grief camps nationally, providing vital support to families navigating loss. The McCall Foundation's Adolescent Services Program also benefited from a $150,000 grant, allowing them to enhance services in Connecticut by increasing access to Spanish-speaking clinicians.

Another impactful initiative, the Mindfulness First program, received a $100,000 grant to employ a full-time mindfulness coach in Maricopa County, Arizona, which would assist students in developing valuable emotional regulation skills during the academic year. The Women's Resource Center in Georgia was granted $150,000 to enhance their advocacy programs for youth facing trauma from domestic violence, reinforcing skills for managing emotions and fostering healthy relationships.

The Cigna Group Foundation holds a history of collaborating with various nonprofits, reinforcing its role as a pivotal player in improving health equity and addressing pressing societal issues. Their commitment to mental health—especially among the youth—is evident not only in financial support but also through a strategic approach to addressing broader public health challenges.

Conclusion
As the application process for 2025 grants unfolds, the Cigna Group Foundation exemplifies how a corporate entity can take decisive action towards enhancing community health. By prioritizing youth mental health, the Foundation is not only addressing a critical issue but is also creating pathways for sustainable change, ensuring that future generations have the resources they need to nurture their mental well-being.