CVS Health introduced its new Health Zones initiative in Phoenix. The initiative provides concentrated local investments in Phoenix that aim to reduce health disparities and advance health equity in underserved communities across the country. The program works with trusted national and local partners to address the six key social determinants of health: housing, education, access to food, labor, transportation, and health care access.
As part of the Health Zones initiative in Phoenix, CVS Health and the CVS Health Foundation have invested a total of $280,000 in four local non-profit organizations, including Valleywise Health Foundation, Banner Health Foundation, St. Mary’s Food Bank and UMOM New Day Centers.
“Through our Health Zones initiative, we have a tremendous opportunity to make a real impact in Phoenix by working with local organizations that share our commitment to addressing social determinants of health,” said Eileen Howard Boone, Senior Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility & Philanthropy and Chief Sustainability Officer, CVS Health. “Together, we will reduce health disparities, advance health equity, and ensure the local Phoenix community can thrive.”
Through CVS Health’s support, Valleywise Health Foundation is providing access to care and quality of care through diabetes management education. Funding from CVS Health will support the Banner Children’s Healthmobile, which travels every week to provide children ages newborn through high school age with the health care they need to help them stay healthy.
Funding provided to St. Mary’s Food Bank is bolstering food security in the region and supporting child nutrition and senior programs, and UMOM New Day Centers is helping people who are experiencing homelessness find employment and affordable housing.
“It’s about health equity – ensuring that every patient has the same access to care regardless of where they’re coming from, race or ethnicity, income, or health insurance,” said Sandra Chmelnik, Diabetes Program Manager, Valleywise Health. “The more we work together as organizations – health care organizations, food industry, medication industry, and everybody working together to improve the health of our nation – is just the way it should go in the future.”
The Health Zones initiative is active in five markets nationwide, including Atlanta, GA; Columbus, OH; Fresno, CA; Hartford, CT; and Phoenix, AZ with plans to expand into more cities later this year.
Health Zones is part of CVS Health’s overall commitment to advance health equity in America. Since 2021, CVS Health has invested $12.4 million in affordable housing in Phoenix and $185 million in affordable housing nationwide in 2021. Through these investments, CVS Health has been able to provide underserved communities with quality housing, economic support, and educational training opportunities based on the unique needs of the population.
Learn more about CVS Health’s new Health Zones initiative in Phoenix here.
CVS Health is the leading health solutions company, delivering care like no one else can. We reach more people and improve the health of communities across America through our local presence, digital channels and approximately 300,000 dedicated colleagues – including more than 40,000 physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and nurse practitioners. Wherever and whenever people need us, we help them with their health – whether that’s managing chronic diseases, staying compliant with their medications, or accessing affordable health and wellness services in the most convenient ways. We help people navigate the health care system – and their personal health care – by improving access, lowering costs and being a trusted partner for every meaningful moment of health.
