The CVS Health® Foundation has announced a $1.5 million funding initiative to enhance access to healthcare services, medically tailored meals, and transportation for chronic disease patients in Atlanta. This funding will support partnerships with Good Samaritan Health Center, Open Hand Atlanta, and Uber Health, emphasizing CVS Health’s commitment to community health and addressing gaps in care.
“Health is influenced by many factors, including access to healthcare, nutritious food, and transportation,” said Sheryl Burke, Senior Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility and Chief Sustainability Officer at CVS Health®. “By collaborating with local organizations, we’re tackling the barriers that affect health outcomes for chronic disease patients in Atlanta.”
In Georgia, diagnosed diabetes costs an estimated $11 billion annually, with rising heart disease and diabetes-related deaths. The CVS Health Foundation’s Health Zones initiative aims to combat high rates of diabetes and hypertension in the region. The investment will enable Good Samaritan Health Center to provide comprehensive clinical services, diabetes education, and a nurse navigator to help patients access Uber Health and Open Hand Atlanta for meals and educational resources.
Breanna Lathrop, CEO-elect and Nurse Practitioner at Good Samaritan Health Center, highlighted the importance of integrating human connection with evidence-based care to improve health outcomes. “With the CVS Health Foundation’s support, we can expand services for patients with chronic diseases and better address health inequities,” she said.
The CVS Health Foundation has shared impact numbers from the past six months in Atlanta:
- 1,277 patients referred for chronic disease support
- 40 participants connected to medically tailored meals and cooking classes
- 156 out of 317 diabetic participants improved their A1C levels
- 56% of the 710 hypertensive participants showed improvements in blood pressure
- 13.3% reported skipping medication, down from 36.4% at the program’s start
Patients like Blanca have benefitted from these initiatives. After participating in cooking classes, she reported significant improvements in her A1C levels and dietary habits.
In addition to the funding announcement, CVS Health offered free health screenings at Good Samaritan Health Center through its Project Health initiative. This program provides biometric screenings to detect early risks for chronic conditions, along with consultations from nurse practitioners.
CVS Health’s broader commitment to Georgia includes over $1.25 million in donations for relief efforts related to recent hurricanes, as well as investments in healthcare initiatives and affordable housing across the state. The company continues to work towards improving health outcomes in communities it serves.
