Health New England offers $80,000 in DEIB grants to support programs addressing youth health and well-being in Western Massachusetts, responding to alarming survey results showing high levels of sadness and hopelessness among eighth-grade studentss; photo via pexels.com.
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SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Health New England will award grants totaling $80,000 to eligible non-profit organizations for programs that work to advance youth health and well-being in Western Massachusetts.
In 2023, Springfield Public Schools conducted a Youth Health Survey and found that more than four in ten surveyed eight-grade students felt so sad or hopeless for two weeks or more that they stopped doing some usual activities.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Mission
Health New England’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) mission mirrors its corporate mission to improve the health and lives of the people in its communities, as it applies to individuals of all races, genders, sexual orientations, religions, and levels of ability. Health New England is committed to advancing equitable health outcomes for all members of its community.
The 2024 DEIB Grant Program will focus on improving the health and well-being of young people in Western Massachusetts by providing funding to organizations that help youths and adolescents achieve what the World Health Organization’s Adolescent Well-being Framework says they need to thrive:
- Good health and optimum nutrients
- Connectedness, positive values, and contribution to society
- Safety and a supportive environment
- Learning, competence, education, skills, and employability
- Agency and resilience
Addressing Social Determinants of Health (SDoH)
Eligible grant recipients must address at least one of these needs and at least one social determinant of health (SDoH) – non-medical personal, social, and environmental factors that affect health.
“The results of the many studies that point to the worsening of overall health and well-being of our youth are extremely concerning,” said Richard Swift, president and CEO of Health New England. “Healthy childhood and adolescent years play such an important role later in life, and the stressors on our youth are at crisis levels. It is our hope that these grants help accelerate the programs that can make a difference for those who need them most.”
Grant Funding Eligibility Requirements
Grant applicants must be IRS-designated 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations focusing on Health New England’s service area including Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, and Worcester counties. The deadline to apply is July 31, 2024. For more information about the 2024 DEIB Grant Program, visit healthnewengland.org/community/charitable-giving.
In its fifth year, the Health New England DEIB Grants program has awarded nearly $440,000 to local non-profits addressing health equity in Western Massachusetts.
How to Apply
Completed grant applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on July 31, 2024. Only complete submissions made online will be considered. Non-profit organizations will only be eligible for Health New England community benefit funding once per calendar year. Apply here.
Those with questions may email communitygiving@hne.com.
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@HNEInc to award $80,000 in #DEIB grants that address adolescent health and #SDoH. Western Mass. #non-profits can apply here by July 31.
About Health New England
Based in Springfield, Massachusetts, Health New England is a not-for-profit health plan serving members in Massachusetts and Connecticut. A wholly owned subsidiary of Baystate Health, Health New England offers a range of health care plans in the commercial, Medicaid and Medicare markets. For more information, visit healthnewengland.org.
