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CareSource Allocates $300K for Community Health Initiatives in Nevada

In a significant step for public health, CareSource Nevada has announced a $300,000 investment aimed at enhancing healthcare support through community health initiatives. This initiative was publicized in collaboration with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) School of Public Health. The partnership is set to kickstart a grant challenge that is expected to bolster nonprofit projects and research concentrated on critical community health issues.

Breakdown of the Investment

Out of the total investment, $150,000 will be designated for the CareSource Foundation Community Health Innovation Grant Challenge, which is slated to offer grants of up to $25,000 to as many as six nonprofit organizations based in Nevada. The other half of the investment will support research conducted by faculty at the UNLV School of Public Health. This research will focus on vital topics such as maternal and child health, the social determinants of health, and improving immunization confidence and awareness.

Key faculty members involved include Gabriela Buccini, Brian Labus, and Tim Grigsby. They will oversee the application process, offer technical support, manage the funding distribution, and ensure thorough tracking of outcomes and reporting.

Importance of the Initiative

CareSource Nevada CEO, Jayme Puu, shared insights on the importance of a holistic approach to health improvement, stating, "While CareSource is new to Nevada, we know from experience that improving members' health requires looking beyond the walls of a traditional doctor's office." This partnership with UNLV is designed to help identify the groups best positioned to create meaningful and lasting health impacts within the state.

The three primary focus areas were informed by the 2025 Southern Nevada Community Health Assessment, which highlighted pressing issues affecting residents, especially those from historically marginalized communities. The priorities include:

• - Maternal and Child Health: Improving the health outcomes from pregnancy through early childhood, tackling issues such as preterm births, and addressing infant mortality rates, which are notably higher among marginalized racial and ethnic groups.
• - Immunization Awareness and Confidence: Combatting mistrust, misinformation, and a lack of culturally relevant outreach that hinders vaccine uptake, particularly in underserved areas.
• - Social Drivers of Health: Addressing the influential factors such as housing instability, food insecurity, transportation challenges, and economic instability that adversely impact health outcomes statewide.

A Call to Action

Shawn Gerstenberger, the Dean of the UNLV School of Public Health, emphasized the urgency of understanding and addressing community needs, stating, "Our partnership with CareSource allows us to take action in developing real solutions with organizations and researchers across Nevada." The initiative aims to blend research, actionable strategies, and ongoing evaluation to address these critical health issues across the state.

Nevada-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, alongside faculty researchers or teams aligning with the funding priorities, are encouraged to apply for this funding. Applications will be accepted until February 26, 2026, through the UNLV website. Priority will be given to members of the Nevada Community Health Coalition, and successful applicants will be notified by late March.

About CareSource Nevada and UNLV School of Public Health

CareSource Nevada is a dedicated nonprofit organization that manages care for Nevada Medicaid and Nevada Check-Up eligible residents, focusing on high-quality care delivery through comprehensive health initiatives. Learn more about their innovative approaches by visiting CareSource.com/Nevada.

Established in 2004, the UNLV School of Public Health is committed to improving global health through education, practical experiences, and community engagement. To explore further, visit unlv.edu/publichealth.

This partnership marks a pivotal moment for community health in Nevada, showcasing how targeted investments can lead to significant improvements in the population's well-being.