WellCare Health Plans, an agency focused on providing government-sponsored managed care services, has given $13,500 in micro-grants to organizations across the state of New York.
The recipients of these miniature grants are primarily nonprofit organizations that address homelessness, mental health and obesity. The grants were doled out in denominations of $500, $1,000 and $1,500.
Maria Auciello, supervisor for WellCare of New York's Community Advocacy team, said in a statement that the grant beneficiaries were chosen because they act as social safety nets -- providing needed support to low-income seniors, children and families.
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"These micro-grants focus on helping social service agencies provide targeted, impactful community-based interventions that will help people live better, healthier lives," she said.
Nonprofits receiving a boost in funds include My Time Inc, which raises awareness about those who have a dual diagnosis of autism and developmental disabilities; the National Alliance on Mental Illness, which creates literature to help educate the community about mental illness; and Harvest Home Farmer's Market, which will use the grant funding to hire an intern to promote the agency's mobile app to patients in health clinics and WIC centers, educating them about the importance of good nutrition.
The micro-grant program is one way WellCare is attempting to forge partnerships with community organizations that promote health, said Wellcare of New York State President John J. Burke.
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"We understand that people cannot prioritize their health if they have more urgent, unmet basic needs," he said. "These agencies all provide crucial support in the areas of homelessness, mental health and obesity, where the unmet need is significant."
"This grant will help us better identify and bring awareness to mental health," said Wayne Clark, My Time's creative director.
As of September, Wellcare serves about 112,000 Medicaid members, 47,000 Medicare Advantage members, 51,000 Medicare Prescription Drug Plan members and 7,500 members of Managed Long Term Care.
Twitter: @JELagasse