Wheeler Health Receives $250,000 Grant from The Cigna Group Health Equity Impact Fund to Target Health Disparities
Bristol, Conn. January 27, 2025 – Wheeler Health has been awarded a grant of $250,000 from The Cigna Group Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Cigna Group (NYSE: CI), through its Health Equity Impact Fund.
The primary objectives of this grant allow Wheeler to staff and deploy a new mobile health van for community outreach and education, preventive health screenings, primary care, chronic disease management, and health insurance navigation to Hartford residents at dozens of locations throughout the city.
“With support from The Cigna Group Foundation, we are meeting the residents of Hartford where they are in their health, and where they are in the community,” said Sabrina Trocchi, PhD, MPA, Wheeler President/CEO and a Hartford native. “We’ll be there in parks, community centers, housing complexes, libraries, parking lots, or churches. This is truly community-based health care.”
“To reduce health disparities and target the root causes, we need strong partnerships with local nonprofit organizations committed to ensuring positive health outcomes for all people, especially those who are underserved,” said Melissa Skottegaard, board chair, The Cigna Group Foundation. “This work includes expanding access to key resources, including transportation and culturally appropriate care. We are privileged to partner with Wheeler Health to enable their efforts to bring about equitable outcomes in the communities we both serve.”
The Cigna Group Health Equity Impact Fund is focused on specific geographies where health inequities are significant, and will work to support, convene, and collaborate with nonprofit organizations serving local community members. The fund operates on a hyper-local level in select U.S. cities, starting with Hartford, CT, and Houston, TX. The first grantee cohort is receiving a total of $3 million across the two cities.
The Cigna Group Foundation has a long history of impactful partnerships with nonprofits, and in 2024 announced a philanthropic and community engagement initiative committing more than $27 million in grants over three years to nonprofit organizations focused on improving youth mental health, improving veteran mental health, and reducing barriers to health equity. The Health Equity Impact Fund is part of these grants.
More information on The Cigna Group Health Equity Impact Fund can be found here. Additional information about Wheeler Health programs can be found at WheelerHealth.org.
Wheeler Health
Wheeler provides comprehensive solutions that address complex health issues, providing individuals, families, and communities with accessible, innovative care that encourages recovery, health, and growth at all stages of life. Our integrated approach to primary and behavioral health, education, and recovery creates measurable results, positive outcomes, and hopeful tomorrows for nearly 70,0000 individuals across Connecticut each year. Learn more: www.WheelerHealth.org
About The Cigna Group
The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) is a global health company committed to creating a better future built on the vitality of every individual and every community. We relentlessly challenge ourselves to partner and innovate solutions for better health. The Cigna Group includes products and services marketed under Cigna Healthcare, Evernorth Health Services and its subsidiaries. The Cigna Group maintains sales capabilities in more than 30 countries and jurisdictions and has more than 186 million customer relationships around the world. Learn more at thecignagroup.com.
About The Cigna Group Foundation
The Cigna Group Foundation is a private foundation funded by contributions from The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) and its subsidiaries. The Cigna Group Foundation aims to support, collaborate, and convene with nonprofit organizations addressing society’s greatest health challenges. In addition to increasing access to programs and care in geographies demonstrating significant need, the Foundation responds with humanitarian aid relief during critical times and strengthens colleagues’ support of causes through matching donations and volunteer rewards. To learn more, visit www.thecignagroup.com/community.
Media Contact
John Sponauer
Vice President of Marketing Communications and Philanthropic Giving
860.793.4450
jsponauer@wheelerhealth.org