CVS Health® invests more than $3M in organizations improving health outcomes in Phoenix

Rhea-AI Summary

CVS Health announces $3 million in grants to support health care access and address social determinants of health in Phoenix. The initiative aims to improve health outcomes by investing in diabetes management services, education, and resources.

Insights

Public Health Expert

The initiative by CVS Health to invest in health care access and social determinants of health in Phoenix is a strategic move that reflects the growing emphasis on community health and preventive care. By addressing obesity, diabetes and hypertension through integrated services, CVS is tackling some of the most pressing chronic health issues that contribute significantly to healthcare costs. The investment in education and resources to manage these conditions can lead to better health outcomes and potentially reduce the long-term financial burden on the healthcare system.

Furthermore, the collaboration with local organizations is essential. These organizations often have a deeper understanding of the community's needs and can ensure that interventions are culturally relevant and accessible. This approach aligns with the best practices in public health, which advocate for community-based participatory research and interventions. The potential benefits extend beyond the immediate population, as successful models of care can be replicated in other communities facing similar challenges.

Healthcare Financial Analyst

CVS Health's $3 million investment in Phoenix represents a strategic approach to corporate social responsibility with potential long-term financial implications. By investing in preventative health measures and addressing social determinants of health, CVS may be positioning themselves to mitigate future healthcare costs associated with chronic diseases. These costs often manifest as higher insurance payouts, which can impact the bottom line for CVS's Aetna division.

The financial commitment spread over three years indicates a long-term vision that may lead to a more health-savvy customer base, potentially driving down the incidence of chronic health conditions. This could result in lower healthcare costs for CVS in the future, as healthier populations typically require less medical intervention. Additionally, this initiative may enhance CVS's brand reputation, potentially increasing customer loyalty and attracting new customers who value community-focused companies.

Sustainability Analyst

CVS Health's emphasis on sustainability, particularly in the context of the Phoenix community, underscores the importance of environmental factors in public health. The focus on educating the community about the effects of air pollution is a forward-thinking strategy that recognizes the intersectionality of health and the environment. Poor air quality is a known risk factor for various health conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

By addressing air pollution, CVS Health is not only contributing to the immediate health of the community but also to the broader goal of environmental sustainability. This could have a positive impact on the company's sustainability ratings, which are increasingly relevant to investors who are looking for socially responsible investment opportunities. Companies that demonstrate a commitment to environmental and social governance (ESG) principles tend to attract a growing segment of the market interested in sustainable investing.

WOONSOCKET, R.I., March 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CVS Health® (NYSE: CVS) today announced more than $3 million in new grants to support organizations in Phoenix working to increase equitable access to health care, address social determinants of health and educate the community on the effects of air pollution. This announcement was made during a Project Health event in Phoenix and included CVS Health leaders, community organizations and local officials.

"No two communities are the same," said Sheryl Burke, Senior Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility and Chief Sustainability Officer at CVS Health. "That's why we are constantly looking for ways to pull together all our community-based and sustainability efforts – like here in Phoenix – to make a meaningful impact and collaborate with organizations who know the community best to address the unique barriers to improving health outcomes. With nearly 12,000 employees working across the state who deliver care through 187 pharmacies, dozens of MinuteClinic®, specialty pharmacy and Oak Street Health® locations, and for a million Aetna® members, this is also a part of our continued work to invest in the communities where we live and work."

Bridging a critical gap in the health care and social systems
With 65% of South Phoenix residents overweight or obese and knowing that 80% of health care costs are primarily due to preventable chronic diseases, CVS Health saw an opportunity to tailor its Health Zones initiative in Phoenix to address the high levels of diabetes and hypertension. The CVS Health Foundation is investing $2.1 million over three years between Valleywise Health, Home Assist Health and Advance to support integrated diabetes management services, including home health and monitoring, medically tailored food boxes and educational resources. By encouraging this more connected, coordinated use of resources between each Health Zone organization, the company aims to help simplify a complex care navigation process and bridge a critical gap in the health care and social systems.   

"We believe that the right resources can transform health outcomes for individuals, families, and communities, greatly reducing or eliminating generational health inequities for improved quality of life for patients in the Greater South Phoenix community," said Dr. Michelle Barker, Senior Vice President of Ambulatory Services and Chief Executive Officer of FQHC, Valleywise Health. "This visionary investment from CVS Health will allow our clinical teams and valued community partners, Home Assist Health and Advance, to wrap our arms around our most vulnerable patients and provide them with the care, education and resources they need to live healthy lives."

Collaborating to educate the community about air pollution
One in three Americans lives in a community with unhealthy air levels, and Phoenix ranks among the most polluted cities in the U.S. for ozone and particulate pollution. Through a new collaboration with the American Lung Association, CVS Health is investing $3.5 million over four years nationwide to combat this health issue and will pilot it first in Phoenix. The company will distribute nearly $1 million of the $3.5 million project to support Phoenix health care providers and organizations working to expand educational resources, increase access to care and supportive services for individuals with lung disease and leverage local air quality data to raise awareness of where pollution is most concentrated. The Phoenix health care providers and organizations will be named in April.

"Every day, we work with people whose lung health has been impacted by climate change," said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. "It is critical to address this in the communities that are seeing the greatest impact, like Phoenix, and we're thankful to be working with the CVS Health Foundation on this innovative project to improve the health of people in Phoenix who are living with lung disease."

Increasing access to mental health and free screening services
CVS Health also recently awarded a $100,000 grant over two years to support the Phoenix Indian Center's efforts to fund its Suicide-Safer Communities project, which will expand its suicide prevention services for Native Americans living in Phoenix. As studies continue to show that suicide is among the leading causes of death in the United States, bolstering the Phoenix Indian Center's efforts is part of the company's continued commitment to supporting organizations that improve the quality and availability of mental health services in under-resourced communities.

In addition to these new grants, CVS Health will offer free health screenings to the Phoenix community through its Project Health program, starting in March. Project Health mobile unit events are hosted at CVS Pharmacy parking lots and a vast network of local organizations to help ensure transportation is not a barrier to receiving health services. They offer free biometric screenings, including blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose level and body mass index to detect early risks of chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. The screenings also offer a PHQ-2 assessment to help identify people who require additional evaluation for depression. All individuals have an on-site consult with a nurse practitioner and are provided a directory of local health care providers and resources. In 2023, CVS Health hosted 109 events in Phoenix and screened 2,814 participants, including 1,022 depression, 715 osteoporosis bone density, 581 mini-cognitive and 126 smoking cessation consultations. The full schedule of Project Health events can be found online. 

"A person's zip code shouldn't determine how long they'll live or whether they'll develop preventable chronic diseases," said Phoenix Councilwoman Laura Pastor. "That's why I'm proud of the over $3 million investment CVS Health is making over the next three years to support diabetes management services and increase access to care and education for individuals with lung diseases throughout Phoenix. As someone who has always advocated for equitable access to health care, I am impressed by the commitment CVS Health continues to show the community by removing barriers and meeting people where they're at to deliver health care."

About CVS Health
CVS Health® is the leading health solutions company, delivering care like no one else can. We reach more people and improve the health of communities across America through our local presence, digital channels and over 300,000 dedicated colleagues — including more than 40,000 physicians, pharmacists, nurses and nurse practitioners. Wherever and whenever people need us, we help them with their health — whether that's managing chronic diseases, staying compliant with their medications or accessing affordable health and wellness services in the most convenient ways. We help people navigate the health care system — and their personal health care — by improving access, lowering costs and being a trusted partner for every meaningful moment of health. And we do it all with heart, each and every day. Follow @CVSHealth on social media.

Media contacts

Courtney Tavener
401-712-3698
Courtney.Tavener@CVSHealth.com 

Monica Prinzing
831-241-8294
Monica.Prinzing@CVSHealth.com  

 

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SOURCE CVS Health

FAQ

What is CVS Health announcing in Phoenix?

CVS Health is announcing more than $3 million in new grants to support organizations in Phoenix working to increase equitable access to health care, address social determinants of health, and educate the community on the effects of air pollution.

How much is CVS Health investing in diabetes management services in Phoenix?

The CVS Health Foundation is investing $2.1 million over three years in Phoenix to support integrated diabetes management services, including home health and monitoring, medically tailored food boxes, and educational resources.

Who is collaborating with CVS Health in Phoenix for this initiative?

Valleywise Health, Home Assist Health, and Advance are collaborating with CVS Health in Phoenix to support integrated diabetes management services and bridge a critical gap in the health care and social systems.

What is the goal of CVS Health's initiative in Phoenix?

The goal of CVS Health's initiative in Phoenix is to improve health outcomes by investing in diabetes management services, education, and resources to address high levels of diabetes and hypertension in the community.