CVS Health Foundation joins City Center organizations to improve health outcomes in Fresno

$525,000 in new Health Zones funding is designed to strengthen community-based initiatives that improve access to healthy food and comprehensive support services.

PROVIDENCE, RI, August 14, 2024 – The CVS Health® (NYSE: CVS) Foundation today announced $525,000 in new Health Zones funding to strengthen the efforts of the Central California Food Bank’s (CCFB) City Center Collaborative, which includes Market CCFB’s Fruits channel. – Fresno’s first grocery store; Family Healthcare Network, Fresno Mission, Central La Familia Advocacy Services, CASA and Social Vocational Services. All organizations are located in City Center in Fresno under one roof. The announcement was made during the company’s Project Health event at the City Center, which highlights our commitment to public health and active participation in addressing health barriers.

“When people have access to support services, it puts them in a better position to take care of their health and well-being,” said Sheryl Burke, Senior Vice President of Public Accountability and Chief Financial Officer. On the subject of Sustainability at CVS Health®. “Our Health Organizations in Fresno share our vision of improving health outcomes in your community. We believe that by working together and combining our community efforts through programs like Project Health, we will be and positively influence and improve the health of the community here in Fresno.”

With 1 in 4 people and 1 in 3 children facing hunger in the Central California Food Bank Fresno service area, CVS Health saw an opportunity to organize its Health Zones Fresno initiative to focus on supporting organizations that increase access to healthy food and comprehensive support services that will help individuals take immediate steps toward a better future. In addition to supporting CCFB, Health Zones funds will be distributed between Family Healthcare Network, Fresno Mission, Central La Familia Advocacy Services, CASA and Social Vocational Services. Each organization plays an important role in the company’s Health Zones initiative to overcome barriers to improving public health outcomes, such as limited access to health services, nutritious food , staff training and other support services. This funding process will help close the critical gap in health care and social services.

“Through this partnership, the CVS Health Foundation is helping the City Center’s amazing partners to strengthen food and nutrition by connecting neighborhoods with a variety of community supports that will improve health and wellness,” said Kym. Dildine, CEO coordinator. Central California Food Bank.

In addition to announcing new grants, the company offered free health screenings to people in City Center today through its Project Health initiative. This practical program is designed to provide free biometric screenings, including blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose levels and body mass index to detect early risks of chronic conditions such as diabetes. , high blood pressure and heart disease. The tests also offer a PHQ-2 test to help identify people who need further testing for depression. All people have a consultation with a local nurse and are given a directory of local health care providers and resources. In 2023, CVS Health held 170 Project Health California events and screened 6,977 participants, resulting in 24,420 scans. The program is offered throughout the country throughout the country, and the full schedule of events can be found online or through its iPhone or Android app.

This one-stop-shop model in City Center has given people like Cristal a new start and purpose. As a single mother working to make a better life for herself and her 4-year-old daughter, she struggled to find work while balancing childcare. He sought help from the Fresno Mission, who helped with job training, where he was then eligible to apply for the First Fruits Market Worker Development Program. This program is part of Health Zones and connects Fresno Mission students in recovery who are looking for a second chance to succeed.

“Fortunately, my case manager put me in touch with the Central California Food Bank,” Cristal said. The fact that I was given that hand was a blessing to me.” Cristal has gained experience in customer service, data processing, inventory management, and leadership while working at Groceries2Go and First Fruits Market.

It has also changed the lives of people like Mercy Case, a neighbor of the First Fruit Market, who now cooks for her 14 elderly neighbors every day so they can focus on their health and well-being . First Fruits Market, an integral part of the Health Zones initiative, provides free fresh and nutritious food to neighbors facing hunger. Since it opened last September, it has served 14,381 Central Valley residents. As Mercy Case shared, ‘Without this help and being able to buy exactly what I needed, I couldn’t buy everything I needed to make stews and dishes. pasta for my neighbors in need.’ These stories of sacrifice and change are a testament to the power of community and the positive impact of the collaborative efforts of Health Zones.

“We are excited to see these programs and services coming to Fresno County,” said Fresno County District 3 Supervisor Sal Quintero. “Now, families can access health services and not have to sacrifice other important needs like putting food on the table. We want to thank CVS Health and the Central California Food Bank for their partnership with all organizations local for working together to meet the needs of our most vulnerable citizens.”

“As Mayor of Fresno, I am proud to stand with CVS Health and our dedicated local organizations to announce this important investment in our community,” said Mayor Jerry Dyer. “This $525,000 Health Zones grant will be a game changer, improving access to health services and nutritious food for our residents. In a city where so many families face hunger, initiatives like These are essential to creating a better and more equitable future. Together, we are taking strong steps to eliminate barriers and improve the lives of all Fresnanians.”

It has more than 30,000 employees working across the country, in its distribution centers, or providing care through more than 1,000 pharmacies, MinuteClinic® and specialty drug locations, and for more than one million Aetna® members. , supporting California is part of CVS Health’s commitment to building a world of health around every community it calls home. CVS Health recently sponsored Arthur @ Blackstone, a newly opened Fresno Housing development reserved for special needs tenants, particularly transitional age youth who are considered homeless, homeless, or at risk of long-term homelessness.

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About CVS Health

CVS Health® is a leading health solutions company, providing care like no other. We reach more people and improve public health across America through our local presence, digital channels and more than 300,000 dedicated colleagues – including more than 40,000 doctors, pharmacists, nurses and nurses. Wherever and whenever people need us, we help them with their health – whether it’s managing chronic diseases, adhering to their medication or accessing health and wellness services in ways the simplest ones. We help people manage the health system – and their health care – by improving the experience, reducing costs and being a trusted partner for every meaningful health moment . And we do everything from the heart, every day. Follow @CVSHalth on social media.

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Courtney Tavener
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Monica Prinzing
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