Empowering Youth Mental Health Through Community Engagement
Empowering Youth Mental Health Initiatives
The Cigna Group Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Cigna Group (NYSE: CI), has taken significant steps to improve mental health support for young individuals across various communities. With an impressive distribution of over $3 million in grants to 23 nonprofit organizations, the Foundation has directly impacted more than 34,000 youth, families, and professionals through its youth mental health initiatives.
Transformative Youth Mental Health Report
Recently, the Foundation released an important report detailing the progress and transformative impact of their youth mental health programs across 10 states. This report emphasizes not only the funding provided but also the partnerships cultivated with community organizations to enhance the reach and effectiveness of mental health support.
Building Support Systems for Youth
Melissa Skottegaard, board chair of The Cigna Group Foundation, articulated the Foundation’s mission best: "Through our nonprofit partners, we are able to meet youth where they are, whether at home, in school, or in the community, and help them build the skills and support systems they need to thrive." This statement underscores the Foundation's commitment to addressing the critical mental health needs of youth in America.
Successful Outcomes from the Grant Program
Since the inception of the youth mental health grant program, several noteworthy activities have been implemented, such as:
Educational and Support Activities
- 8,576 youth mental health education sessions
- 4,392 behavioral health therapy sessions
- 6,759 social-emotional learning activities
- 8,397 adult mental health literacy trainings
- 5,960 case management, grief counseling, mentoring, and parental engagement workshops
These initiatives have reported remarkable achievement rates, with many grantees achieving as high as 94% of their mental health programming goals. The gains in access to care and emotional resilience are vital for fostering school success and overall well-being among the youth.
A youth participant from New London Counseling Center shared, "If I never came here, I don't know if I'd still be here. Counseling helped me get everything off my chest. For so long, I kept everything bottled up. Now I feel lighter." This statement reflects the profound impact of counseling services funded by The Cigna Group Foundation, showcasing the real-life benefits of their initiatives.
A Broader Investment in Community Health
The Cigna Group Foundation’s work on youth mental health is part of a larger $27 million, three-year funding initiative aimed at promoting healthier futures through community-based care. This investment is structured to prioritize early intervention, culturally responsive programming, and empowering caregivers and educators to foster emotional well-being.
Collaboration with Clubs and Support Networks
In collaboration with The Boys and Girls Clubs of America, the Foundation has supported the implementation of trauma-informed practices in over 81% of clubs. They also developed a teen mental health guide and distributed nearly 1,000 mental wellness packs crafted by employees of The Cigna Group, underscoring their hands-on approach to community engagement.
Future Grant Opportunities
Looking forward, The Cigna Group Foundation will open a new application period for organizations dedicated to youth mental health in early 2026. This opportunity aims to further their mission of improving mental health support across communities.
About The Cigna Group Foundation
The Cigna Group Foundation strives to address the greatest health challenges faced by society by funding initiatives and collaborating with nonprofit organizations. With a focus on increasing access to care in areas of significant need, the Foundation also responds to humanitarian needs and boosts colleagues' involvement through matching donations and volunteer rewards. For more information, you can visit their official community page.
About The Cigna Group
The Cigna Group is a global health company dedicated to creating a better future grounded in the health and well-being of individuals and communities. With a presence in over 30 countries and more than 180 million customer relationships worldwide, The Cigna Group offers a range of health products and services through Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth Health Services. They continuously strive to innovate health solutions and promote better health outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary aim of The Cigna Group Foundation?
The primary aim is to improve youth mental health through community partnerships and grant funding.
How much funding has been allocated to youth mental health initiatives?
Over $3 million has been distributed to various nonprofit organizations to support these initiatives.
How many youth have benefited from the Foundation's programs?
More than 34,000 youth, families, and professionals have benefited from the Foundation's initiatives.
What types of activities are supported under the youth mental health grant program?
Activities include mental health education sessions, therapy, social-emotional learning, and workshops for parents and caregivers.
What future plans does The Cigna Group Foundation have for youth mental health support?
They plan to open a new application period for youth mental health organizations in early 2026.
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