Milliman Giving Fund Supports Health Initiatives in Navajo Communities
Milliman, Inc., a leading global consulting and actuarial firm, has announced a substantial grant of $750,000 through the Milliman Giving Fund. This funding will support Partners in Health (PIH) along with their nonprofit partner, Community Outreach and Patient Empowerment (COPE). The focus of this initiative is to enhance health and nutrition programs throughout the Navajo Nation.
Improving Access to Nutritious Foods
The financial support will strengthen the COPE Navajo Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program, commonly known as Navajo FVRx. This initiative provides vouchers for healthy foods, expanding access not only for specific recipients but also serving the wider Navajo community.
Boosting Community Resources
This grant empowers COPE to improve local capacities in data analysis. This ability is vital for sharing insights that influence food access policies and enhance nutrition security not just in Indigenous communities but also in other underserved populations.
Leadership Insights
Milliman Giving Fund Co-Chair John Meerschaert emphasized the importance of access to nutritious food: “Access to healthy foods is critical for any community. We’re proud to support the expansion of the COPE FVRx program, and we hope it will positively impact the health and well-being of the Navajo community.”
Encouraging Corporate Volunteerism
Meerschaert also pointed out that Milliman professionals can volunteer their skills to help COPE develop community-based data analytics, showing how valuable this program really is.
Building on Past Contributions
This grant builds on a previous $750,000 donation from the Milliman Giving Fund made between 2021 and 2023, which aimed to improve the Navajo health system and the quality of life for those living with chronic diseases.
Appreciation from COPE Leadership
Sharon Fenn, the President of COPE’s Board of Directors, expressed her gratitude: “We greatly appreciate the grant awarded from the Milliman Giving Fund. This allows COPE to continue its efforts to improve access to healthy foods on the Navajo Nation.”
Utilizing Data for Greater Impact
Fenn highlighted the importance of data in showcasing the program's success, ensuring that the conversations around health access and equity in the Navajo community are clearly communicated.
About the Milliman Giving Fund
The Milliman Giving Fund is fueled by contributions from employees and retirees, reflecting Milliman’s mission to enhance health, education, and economic development worldwide. Since its founding in 2019, the Fund has proudly donated over $5 million to various partners around the globe.
About Milliman
Founded in 1947, Milliman stands as one of the largest providers of actuarial and related services. The firm operates across various sectors, including healthcare, property and casualty insurance, life insurance, financial services, and employee benefits, with offices in major cities internationally.
About Partners in Health and COPE
Partners in Health (PIH) is a non-profit social justice organization that was founded in 1987, advocating for healthcare as a basic human right. PIH collaborates closely with local governments worldwide to strengthen public health systems and provide necessary care.
Mission of COPE
Community Outreach and Patient Empowerment (COPE) is an Indigenous-led 501c3 organization that collaborates with communities in the Navajo Nation to promote health equity through partnership and systemic enhancements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Milliman Giving Fund?
The Milliman Giving Fund supports global community programs, focusing on health, education, and economic development, funded by contributions from employees and retirees.
How much funding did Milliman provide to COPE?
Milliman granted $750,000 to COPE to improve food access through the Navajo Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program.
What is the purpose of the COPE program?
COPE's program aims to enhance access to nutritious foods by providing vouchers within the Navajo community.
How long will the new grant last?
This new grant represents a three-year commitment to support health initiatives in the Navajo community.
What past support has COPE received from Milliman?
Before this recent grant, COPE benefited from $750,000 in funding from the Milliman Giving Fund for similar health initiatives between 2021 and 2023.
