#United States #Las Vegas #CareSource #Nevada Health #UNLV Public Health

CareSource Foundation Invests in Community Health Innovations

In a significant move to enhance public health across Nevada, the CareSource Foundation has allocated $300,000 towards community health innovation grants, aiming to tackle pressing health issues in the state. The initiative is rooted in collaboration with the UNLV School of Public Health and is part of the Community Health Innovation Grant Challenge.

On March 26, 2026, CareSource Nevada announced that it has distributed $150,000 to six nonprofit organizations successfully selected among more than 80 proposals aimed at addressing critical health needs identified in the 2025 Southern Nevada Community Health Assessment.

This funding specifically focuses on three priority areas: maternal and child health, immunization awareness, and various social determinants of health that impact population wellness. The remaining funds are designated for research led by faculty at the UNLV School of Public Health, highlighting the foundation's commitment to evidence-based interventions.

Jayme Puu, CEO of CareSource Nevada, commented, "Community organizations are often the first to identify emerging health challenges and respond to them. We take pride in supporting our nonprofit partners and the UNLV School of Public Health in advancing solutions that bolster whole-person health and make a lasting impact for those in need."

Grant Recipients

The six organizations that stood out in the competitive selection process include:

1. Quest Counseling – Based in Reno, this organization specializes in mental health and substance abuse treatment. It will initiate a new Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder (PMAD) Home Visiting Program, offering in-home behavioral health services to ensure continuous care for new mothers.

2. Nevada Breastfeeding Coalition – This statewide nonprofit focuses on promoting breastfeeding through education and advocacy. The grant will enhance support groups, expand outreach, and provide scholarships for continuing education to coalition members.

3. NyE Communities Coalition – Serving Nye, Esmeralda, and Lincoln Counties, this coalition will use the grant to establish an immunization outreach program led by community health workers, aimed at improving vaccine access and confidence in rural areas.

4. R.E.A.C.H. – A Las Vegas nonprofit that provides health education and low-cost clinical services. Their initiative will use grant funding to promote immunization awareness among Latino and immigrant families in Southern Nevada.

5. Children's Advocacy Alliance – This organization focuses on children's health and education. With the grant, they'll work to strengthen support systems for prenatal to three years old, addressing housing stability and food security issues.

6. Carson City School District's McKinney-Vento Program – This program, which aids homeless students, will implement the TOOTH Project, concentrating on oral health disparities among students facing housing instability.

Shawn Gerstenberger, Dean of the UNLV School of Public Health, praised the initiative, stating, "The CareSource Community Health Innovation Grant Challenge is vital for addressing health disparities in Nevada. By partnering with CareSource and supporting these innovative initiatives, we focus not just on immediate solutions but also on building a sustainable public health framework."

Since its establishment in 2006, the CareSource Foundation has spent over $39 million on nonprofit organizations dedicated to alleviating poverty, improving access to essential services, and promoting healthier communities. This investment underscores CareSource's ongoing commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals and families across Nevada.

About CareSource Nevada

CareSource Nevada functions as a nonprofit managed care organization, ensuring access to high-quality healthcare for Medicaid and Nevada Check-Up-eligible residents. Through innovative programs addressing social determinants of health, they strive to improve care coordination and health outcomes throughout the state.

For more details, visit CareSource or follow them on social media.

About UNLV School of Public Health

Established in 2004, the UNLV School of Public Health focuses on enhancing global health and well-being. Over the years, it has built a robust education, training, and community involvement system to prepare students for impactful careers in public health.

For information, visit UNLV Public Health.