Health New England to Award $185,000 in Grants to Address Health Equity

SPRINGFIELD — Health New England has committed $185,000 to fund health equity mini-grants to help address health- or healthcare-related needs in Western and Central Mass. Grants of up to $10,000 per organization will be awarded to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits that serve communities in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, and/or Worcester counties.

Winning grantees must focus on at least one social determinant of health — the social and economic factors that influence people’s ability to live healthy lives, such as built environment (including transportation and access to healthy foods), education, employment, housing, and social environment (including social isolation and institutional racism).

Eligible organizations can find more information and apply for a health equity mini-grant at healthnewengland.org/community/charitable-giving. The deadline to apply is Aug. 4. Applications must be submitted online and be fully completed to be considered.

Health New England’s health equity mini-grants exemplify the company’s commitment to improve the health and lives of the people in its communities. Health New England recognizes that health goes well beyond doctors’ visits and test results, and societal barriers can make it harder to be healthy. As a regional, not-for-profit health plan, Health New England takes seriously its duty to support and collaborate with the organizations working to improve the cities, towns, and neighborhoods it serves.

“We believe that achieving health equity requires collaboration and investment to address the unique needs of our communities,” said Katie Bruno, manager of Quality Improvement Programs at Health New England. “By supporting organizations that are addressing health disparities, we hope to help more people gain the resources and support they need to reach their full health potential.”