Anthem Blue Cross Foundation has allocated $1.2 million in grants to five California organizations focused on mental health and substance use disorders. These grants are part of the Elevance Health Foundation’s $30 million commitment to improving equity for those with mental health challenges. The funding will aid individuals in transitioning to stable housing environments and accessing evidence-based resources. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues, prompting public and private payers to implement various initiatives to address mental health needs. This support reflects a collective effort to enhance mental well-being in California communities.
Anthem Blue Cross Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Elevance Health Foundation, has recently awarded grants totaling $1.2 million to five California-based organizations dedicated to tackling mental health and substance use disorders within their communities.
These grants represent a significant contribution to Elevance Health Foundation’s broader $30 million commitment aimed at advancing equity for individuals grappling with mental health challenges.
The funding from Anthem Blue Cross Foundation will play a pivotal role in assisting individuals dealing with mental health and substance use disorders by enabling them to transition from high-risk environments such as treatment centers or incarceration to stable housing in Los Angeles, Fresno, and San Francisco counties. Moreover, it will facilitate access to evidence-based resources for prevention, treatment, and recovery.
Beth Andersen, President of Anthem Blue Cross Commercial Plan, emphasized the importance of addressing substance use disorders in California, stating, “Substance use disorder continues to be a public health challenge that’s taking too big of a toll in our communities here in the Golden State. We are taking a holistic approach and focusing on local programs aimed at addressing an array of care and service options and working to enhance the quality of life and health of Californians, particularly those who are experiencing substance abuse disorders, which is a testament to our dedication to the communities we serve.”
Here are the organizations that received grants:
1. Homeboy Industries, based in Los Angeles, received $300,000 for its “Promoting Mental Well-being and Resiliency for Systems-Impacted People: Homeboy’s Health and Wellness Program.” This organization offers an 18-month employment and re-entry program along with providing valuable substance abuse resources.
2. LA Family Housing in Los Angeles was granted $250,000 to support substance use and mental health programs for those living in permanent supportive housing. This organization specializes in helping people transition out of homelessness and poverty.
3. Downtown Women’s Center, also in Los Angeles, received $200,000 to enhance its capacity for addressing substance use disorder in Skid Row.
4. Good Shepherd Gracenter in San Francisco was awarded $75,000 to fund a transitional housing recovery program designed to assist homeless women seeking long-term recovery from addiction.
5. California Health Collaborative in Fresno received a grant of $400,000 to establish a maternal wellness taskforce with a primary focus on perinatal substance use.
These grants are part of Elevance Health Foundation’s broader commitment to investing $30 million in initiatives through 2024 that aim to promote equity for individuals dealing with mental health and substance use disorders.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated substance use disorders and other mental health conditions while also limiting access to treatment. Three years later, mental health concerns continue to be prevalent among Americans.
Both public and private payers have implemented initiatives to address their members’ mental health needs. For example, CMS has expanded access to community-based mobile crisis intervention teams in six states, staffed by trained behavioral health professionals and paraprofessionals who offer individual screenings, assessments, stabilization, de-escalation services, and care coordination services.
On the private payer side, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota are set to include coverage for peer support specialists in their commercial plans next year. These peer support specialists, individuals with lived experiences who are non-clinical but trained, provide valuable support to those facing mental health challenges.
