Sun Life U.S. renews support of National Alliance on Mental Illness with $50,000 donation

Rhea-AI Summary

Sun Life U.S. has renewed its support of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) with a $50,000 donation to its Hearts + Minds (H+M) program. The program focuses on educating people about managing physical and mental wellness, aligning with Sun Life's whole person care approach.

The H+M program has shown significant impact, with 80% of participants in 2024 reporting increased knowledge of healthy behaviors. The initiative helps people understand the connection between mental and physical health, providing tools for immediate health improvement.

Sun Life's commitment extends beyond NAMI, including support for Hartford Behavioral Health through the Strikeout for a Cause campaign. The company also advocates for mental health parity in long-term disability insurance, pushing for federal legislation for broader market adoption.

Positive

• Continued commitment to mental health initiatives demonstrates corporate social responsibility
• Strategic alignment with whole person care approach could enhance market positioning
• Advocacy for mental health parity in long-term disability insurance shows industry leadership

Negative

• None.

WELLESLEY, Mass., April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its commitment to helping people get the care they need, Sun Life U.S. has renewed its support of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) with a $50,000 donation to its Hearts + Minds (H+M) program (H+M). The program educates people to better manage both their physical and mental wellness, an approach that aligns with Sun Life's model that focuses on whole person care to drive improved health outcomes. A supporter of NAMI's program since 2022, Sun Life's philanthropic platform supports organizations that broaden access to care and deliver health services to communities in need.

"We are grateful for support from Sun Life, as they are ardent supporters of programs that educate communities and help people access care," said Jessica Edwards, chief development officer, NAMI. "The H+M program is a valuable resource, and we are pleased to be able to expand its reach to more people."

H+M helps people better understand the innate connection between mental and physical health, teaching tools and strategies for simple and immediate ways to improve their health. A survey of H+M participants in 2024 showed that 80% reported an increase in knowledge of healthy behaviors. The program has been picked up by NAMI affiliates and NAMI state groups around the country.

"We must eliminate lingering prejudices and stigma, and ensure every person has universal access to mental health support services, whether in a clinical or community setting," said Dr. Katie Connell, director of Behavioral Health, Sun Life U.S. "Mental health can impact physical health, just as physical conditions, especially chronic ones, can often lead to poor mental health. It's important that every person understands the connection and has access to the services they need."

"Community organizations that empower people to take control of their own health are filling critical gaps in the healthcare ecosystem," continued Dr. Connell. "The great work by NAMI and others is driving real change by providing people with the knowledge they need to help them achieve overall health and wellness."

In addition to supporting NAMI, Sun Life supports Hartford Behavioral Health in Conn., through the annual Strikeout for a Cause campaign with the Hartford Yard Goats baseball team. Sun Life is also a vocal advocate for mental health parity in long-term disability insurance, calling for federal legislation to require broad adoption across the market.

To learn more about NAMI, its Hearts + Minds program, and other programs, visit www.nami.org.

Learn more about Sun Life's community partnerships and philanthropic support at www.sunlife.com/us/en/about/our-community-involvement/.

About Sun Life
Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing asset management, wealth, insurance and health solutions to individual and institutional Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of December 31, 2024, Sun Life had total assets under management of C$1.54 trillion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.

Sun Life U.S. is one of the largest providers of employee and government benefits, helping approximately 50 million Americans access the care and coverage they need. Through employers, industry partners and government programs, Sun Life U.S. offers a portfolio of benefits and services, including dental, vision, disability, absence management, life, supplemental health, medical stop-loss insurance, and healthcare navigation. Sun Life employs more than 8,500 people in the U.S., including associates in our partner dental practices and affiliated companies in asset management. Group insurance policies are issued by Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (Wellesley Hills, Mass.), except in New York, where policies are issued by Sun Life and Health Insurance Company (U.S.) (Lansing, Mich.). For more information visit our website and newsroom.

Media contacts

Devon Fernald
Sun Life U.S.
Devon.Portney.Fernald@sunlife.com
781-800-3609

Connect with Sun Life U.S.

https://www.facebook.com/SLFUnitedStates
https://www.linkedin.com/company/sun-life-financial

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SOURCE Sun Life U.S.

FAQ

How much did Sun Life U.S. donate to NAMI's Hearts + Minds program in 2025?

Sun Life U.S. donated $50,000 to NAMI's Hearts + Minds program in 2025.

What percentage of participants reported increased health knowledge in NAMI's H+M program?

80% of Hearts + Minds program participants reported an increase in knowledge of healthy behaviors in 2024.

When did Sun Life (SLF) begin supporting NAMI's Hearts + Minds program?

Sun Life began supporting NAMI's Hearts + Minds program in 2022.

What additional mental health initiatives does Sun Life support besides NAMI?

Sun Life supports Hartford Behavioral Health through the Strikeout for a Cause campaign and advocates for mental health parity in long-term disability insurance.