#United States #Chicago #Community Health #Health Grants #Meridian Health

Meridian Health Plan of Illinois Disburses $528,916 in Health Happens Here Grants™

In an impressive display of commitment to community health, Meridian Health Plan of Illinois has announced that it awarded a total of $528,916 in Health Happens Here Grants™ during the latter half of 2024. This significant funding supports an array of local organizations that are pivotal in addressing health disparities and expanding access to essential health services throughout Illinois.

Meridian Health Plan, part of Centene Corporation, provides managed care services aimed at supporting families, children, seniors, and individuals with complex medical needs. With a firm belief that healthcare should reach members where they live and work, the organization has invested in 25 local entities this year alone, with a total of $1.3 million directed towards initiatives designed to foster health equity across various communities.

The Health Happens Here Grants™ cover a multitude of impactful programs and services. Cristal Gary, the Plan President and CEO of Meridian, emphasized the organization's mission by stating, "At Meridian, we strongly believe in caring for our members where they live and work. These grants are part of our mission to transform the health of the communities we serve."

Notable Grant Recipients

Among the 11 organizations fortunate enough to receive funding in late 2024, some key beneficiaries include:

• - Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago: With a grant of $100,000, the hospital will utilize the funds to enhance its Behavioral Health department, aiming to expand its capacity to serve approximately 1,500 Behavioral Health patients in its Emergency Department annually.

• - Chicago Integrated Health: Receiving $20,000, this organization focuses on holistic management through nutrition and mental health therapies, targeting the health and wellbeing of pre-teens and teens.

• - Humbolt Park Health: A substantial $100,000 grant will help launch several health programs in their newly established Wellness Center, reflecting a longstanding dedication to care within the Humboldt Park community since 1894.

• - M.E.A.N Girls Empowerment: The $15,000 grant supports a program aimed at young girls, providing workshops and resources to promote health topics and develop personal skills.

• - Seabreeze, Non-Emergency Medical Transport: This minority-owned business will benefit from $50,366 to enhance its service delivery capacity, facilitating better transportation for patients in need.

Each of these funding allocations is strategically designed to support the organizations in closing care gaps and meeting the unique health-related social needs of Meridian members and the broader community. Initiatives funded cover diverse focuses, from mobile health units and training for healthcare professionals to mental health support and community outreach programs.

Além disso, the funds are critical to ensuring high-quality, culturally sensitive services to those who may otherwise face significant barriers to accessing care.

Future Vision and Commitment

With the $1,386,416 invested in 2024 alone, Meridian Health Plan is committed to championing change and transforming health outcomes in Illinois communities. As stated by Gary, the funding for these grants underpins the organization's overarching goal of not only transforming healthcare accessibility but also enhancing life quality for its members through positive health experiences.

The initiatives supported through these grants not only serve immediate health needs but also foster long-term community health, ultimately aiming to ensure all individuals, regardless of background, can access the care they need. Meridian stands poised to continue this mission into the future, nurturing healthier communities throughout Illinois.

For further information on Meridian Health Plan and its community initiatives, you can visit ILmeridian.com.