The Cigna Group Foundation has announced the first round of grants under its new initiative to support youth mental health. The foundation will distribute $9 million over the next three years to 22 nonprofit organizations across 10 states. This announcement follows its April announcement to invest more than $27 million in grants focused on youth mental health, veteran mental health, and health equity.
Melissa Skottegaard, chair of The Cigna Group Foundation board, emphasized the growing need for mental health support among young people. “There has been a significant uptick in demand for mental health care,” she said. Citing data from the Evernorth Research Institute, Skottegaard noted a 28% increase in young people with mental health conditions and a 48% rise in those with multiple diagnoses since 2018.
“Right now, improving the mental well-being of our kids and teens is a clear priority for us, and we are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with so many organizations making a difference in their communities,” Skottegaard said.
The grants will support programs aimed at addressing post-pandemic stress and distress among children and adolescents aged 5 to 18. A key focus will be on school-based initiatives designed to foster social-emotional skills, equip parents and caregivers, and expand access to mental health care.
Mindfulness First in Arizona is one of the 22 organizations receiving funding. Those organizations are:
- McCall Foundation Inc. in Torrington, Connecticut
- Children’s Bereavement Center in Florida
- Wings for Kids in Georgia
- Lion’s Pride Mentoring Inc. in Illinois
- New London Counseling Center in Pennsylvania
- Physician Associate Foundation of the American Academy of Physician Associates in Pennsylvania
- Conexión Américas in Tennessee
- Austin-Travis County Mental Health and Mental Retardation Center in Texas
- Planting Seeds in Texas
Other grant recipients include:
- El Rio Santa Cruz Neighborhood Health Center in Arizona
- The Village for Families & Children in Hartford
- Metropolitan Ministries Inc. in Florida
- Women Moving On Inc. in Georgia
- Human Support Services in Illinois
- The Community House in Illinois
- The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital in Missouri
- LOGOS School in Missouri
- Oasis – A Haven for Women and Children in New Jersey
- Education Law Center – PA in Pennsylvania
- Gestalt Community Schools in Tennessee
- Eluna, with locations in Florida, Georgia, Missouri, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Texas.
The foundation’s commitment to youth mental health is a substantial step towards addressing a critical public health issue. By partnering with a diverse group of nonprofits, Cigna aims to create a lasting impact on the lives of young people and their communities.
