#USA #Nonprofits #Youth Mental Health #Bloomfield #Cigna Group Foundation

Cigna Group Foundation Initiates Major Grants for Youth Mental Health

The Cigna Group Foundation, which operates as the philanthropic arm of The Cigna Group (NYSE: CI), recently announced the recipients of its second round of grants aimed at tackling the ongoing youth mental health crisis. This initiative comes at a critical time as children and teenagers across the United States continue to face mental health challenges exacerbated by the pandemic.

Since the onset of the pandemic, mental health issues among youth have become a pressing concern, highlighting the urgent need for targeted support and resources. With a commitment of $9 million over three years, the Cigna Group Foundation seeks to positively influence young people's mental health through partnerships with various nonprofit organizations.

Collaborative Efforts for Change
According to Melissa Skottegaard, the board chair for The Cigna Group Foundation, the necessity for action couldn't be clearer. “Our kids and teens across the United States continue to struggle with mental health issues in the post-pandemic world, so it's essential that we build on the positive momentum set forth by our first grantee cohort in improving youth mental health,” she noted.

This year's cohort comprises 24 grantees that have been carefully selected to implement innovative projects in settings such as schools, camps, and health centers. These programs aim to address the widespread stress that youth have encountered as a result of the pandemic. The focus is on youth aged 5 to 18, encompassing their parents, caregivers, and professionals involved in youth services, including educators and therapists.

The key objectives of the grant program include:
1. Enhancing Programming: Expanding the reach of programs that foster essential social-emotional skills and overall well-being.
2. Empowering Families: Ensuring parents, caregivers, and youth service professionals feel better equipped to support youths.
3. Improving Access: Creating more pathways for mental health intervention and access to necessary care.

Returning Partners and New Allies
It's worth noting that 36% of this year’s grantees are returning from the previous year’s initiative, showcasing the ongoing trust and value the Foundation places on established partnerships. Notable returning organizations include Mindfulness First (Arizona), Community House (Illinois), and New London Counseling Center (Pennsylvania). The diverse groups represent a wide range of geographical locations and specialize in various aspects of youth mental health.

In addition to these returning organizations, several new grantees have also been highlighted, including:

• - Phoenix Children's Hospital Foundation (Arizona)
• - Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA, Inc. (Florida)
• - Health Care Center for the Homeless, Inc. (Florida)
• - Camp Fire (New Jersey)
• - STARS Nashville (Tennessee)

Each of these grantees has unique projects targeted at enhancing youth mental health support within their communities.

Continuing Partnerships with Boys & Girls Clubs of America
The Cigna Group Foundation's commitment to addressing youth mental health goes beyond just grant allocations. In April, the Foundation announced a substantial $1 million grant over two years to Boys & Girls Clubs of America, maintaining a national partnership that began in 2024. This partnership is poised to expand the Clubs' capacity to train staff, identify signs of youth distress, and implement trauma-informed practices across their programs.

Long-standing Commitment
The Cigna Group Foundation has a robust history of supporting nonprofit organizations in their goal to improve health outcomes in various domains, including mental health. Back in 2024, the Foundation introduced a groundbreaking initiative pledging over $27 million in grants aimed not only at improving youth and veteran mental health but also at promoting health equity across communities.

As the Cigna Group continues to lead from the front on public health issues, their initiative to support youth mental health marks a significant step in creating sustainable, impactful change. By partnering with nonprofits committed to this cause, the Cigna Group Foundation exemplifies the spirit of collaboration necessary to foster wellness among the younger generations.

For more information about their grant program and ongoing initiatives, visit The Cigna Group Foundation’s website.