CVS Health and Aetna Allocate $750,000 in Grants to Advance Health Outcomes Across Illinois
CVS Health and Aetna Better Health® of Illinois, a CVS Health company, recently announced a combined $750,000 in community grants to organizations dedicated to enhancing health outcomes in Illinois. These grants focus on increasing access to maternal and behavioral health services and providing essential resources for a healthier future. The funding addresses critical areas such as food security, housing stability for justice-involved individuals, workforce development, and educational opportunities.
This significant investment underscores CVS Health and Aetna’s commitment to improving health outcomes by partnering with organizations that deeply understand their communities and are equipped to address the root causes of health disparities. The grants will directly benefit several impactful organizations, including:
- After School Matters
- A Safe Haven
- Windy City Harvest, an initiative of Chicago Botanic Garden
- Dovetail Project
- EverThrive Illinois
- New Moms
- Phoenix Community Development Services
- Elevate Energy
A Holistic Approach to Health Equity
Rushil Desai, CEO of Aetna Better Health of Illinois, emphasized the importance of addressing social determinants of health. “To improve socioeconomic conditions, enhance access to care, and foster supportive environments, we must tackle the root causes preventing better health,” said Desai. “Our goal is to collaborate with organizations across Illinois that work within their communities to address these issues and provide resources that improve overall health and well-being.”
This initiative aligns with the 1115 Waiver under the Social Security Act, which allows states to expand Medicaid services and improve care delivery for Medicaid beneficiaries. The 1115 Waiver provides Illinois with an innovative tool to enhance care quality and access for underserved populations. By addressing health-related social needs—including employment assistance, affordable housing, healthy food, transportation, and community reintegration—the waiver serves as a foundation for the community investments made by Aetna.
Impact on Local Communities
CVS Health State Senator Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago) highlighted the transformative potential of the grants. “These funds will ensure families in my district have access to food, housing, workforce development opportunities, and more, particularly for those struggling to get by,” she said. “I thank CVS Health, Aetna, and organizations like A Safe Haven and Windy City Harvest for their commitment to improving lives and creating opportunities.”
State Representative Kim DuBuclet (D) echoed these sentiments, praising the grants’ recipients for their essential work. “After School Matters broadens young people’s minds, and EverThrive Illinois addresses longstanding public health inequities,” DuBuclet stated. “I’m proud of Aetna and CVS Health for investing in organizations that uplift and enrich our communities.”
State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) emphasized the importance of systemic change. “After School Matters and EverThrive Illinois are doing incredible work to support families and young people in Chicago,” said Hunter. “These grants will propel their vital work addressing systemic issues and investing in the future of our community.”
State Senator Willie Preston (D-Chicago) specifically recognized the Dovetail Project for its role in fostering healthy relationships between young fathers and their children. “Dovetail Project’s mission is critical,” said Preston. “CVS Health’s support demonstrates their leadership in promoting health and wellness in historically underserved communities. This is unity and progress everyone can celebrate.”
Expanding Support Across Illinois
CVS Health Since 2022, Aetna has invested over $1.3 million in community initiatives across Illinois. These investments have supported various organizations that assist Medicaid members with access to healthy food, job development, housing support, maternal and child health, and healthcare access. The new $750,000 investment builds on these efforts, enabling local organizations to continue addressing pressing social and health challenges.
Aetna Better Health of Illinois serves more than 360,000 Medicaid members across all 102 counties in the state. By offering value-added benefits and best practices, the health plan has consistently demonstrated positive results in utilization, closing health gaps, and increasing member satisfaction.
Profiles of Grant Recipients
After School Matters
A nonprofit providing life-changing opportunities for high school students in Chicago, After School Matters engages teens in after-school and summer programs focused on arts, technology, science, and sports. The organization empowers youth to achieve their full potential and thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
A Safe Haven
A Safe Haven addresses the root causes of homelessness through a comprehensive approach that integrates housing, behavioral health, and workforce development services. The organization helps individuals and families achieve sustainable independence.
Windy City Harvest
An initiative of the Chicago Botanic Garden, Windy City Harvest offers urban agriculture training and job placement. The program empowers communities by providing access to fresh produce, addressing food insecurity, and creating economic opportunities through urban farming.
Dovetail Project
Focused on young fathers, the Dovetail Project provides education and resources to help them become responsible and engaged parents. The program strengthens families and communities by fostering healthy relationships and breaking cycles of poverty and neglect.
EverThrive Illinois
EverThrive Illinois works to eliminate health disparities and achieve health equity through advocacy, education, and community engagement. The organization’s initiatives focus on maternal and child health, adolescent health, and health systems transformation.
New Moms
Supporting young mothers and their children, New Moms offers housing, job training, and family support services. The organization empowers young women to create strong families and achieve self-sufficiency.
Phoenix Community Development Services
Phoenix Community Development Services focuses on ending homelessness and providing housing solutions for vulnerable populations. The organization’s programs address the root causes of housing instability and promote long-term self-reliance.
Elevate Energy
Elevate Energy connects communities to sustainable energy solutions that reduce utility costs, improve housing conditions, and enhance quality of life. By addressing energy inequities, the organization promotes environmental and economic resilience.
A Commitment to Health Equity
CVS Health and Aetna’s collaborative efforts reflect a shared commitment to advancing health equity in Illinois. By investing in community organizations that address systemic barriers, they are creating pathways for individuals and families to achieve better health and brighter futures. This initiative not only strengthens local communities but also sets a precedent for how healthcare companies can drive meaningful change by addressing social determinants of health.
Through these investments, CVS Health and Aetna are fostering a healthier Illinois, one community at a time.
