| “We promised to stand with Louisville during this critical time and these grant awards open a path for expanded trauma-informed care which is vital to improving the health and well-being of our community,” said Tiffany Benjamin, CEO of the Humana Foundation. “The Humana Foundation is committed to partnering with GLI, our steering committee, and these trusted recipients to eliminate the mental health disparities and inequities that hinder people from living connected, healthy lives.”
Applications for grant funding opened in August and required applicants to submit a detailed proposal with plans for scaling, long-term sustainability, and detailed documentation of how their proposal would serve diverse populations and partner with other groups in the community. Of the 41 applications, priority was given to applicants who can address categories of mental health that are in dire shortage – such as psychologists, psychiatrists and youth counselors. Recipients were chosen by a steering committee of business and community leaders who reviewed the applications. Committee members include:
- Jennifer Barber, partner in charge, Frost Brown Todd
- Tiffany Benjamin, CEO, Humana Foundation
- Sarah Davasher-Wisdom, president and CEO, Greater Louisville Inc.
- Robert Gunn Jr., chief equity and impact officer, Metro United Way
- Adria Johnson, president & CEO, Metro United Way
- Dr. Steven D. Kniffley Jr., senior associate dean, College of Medicine at the University of Cincinnati
- Amy Luttrell, president & CEO, Goodwill Industries of Kentucky
- Darrin McCauley, SVP – corporate lending, Old National Bank
- David Oetken, center director, Small Business Development Center
- Corenza Townsend, chief administrative officer, Norton West Louisville Hospital
“The need for increased mental health capacity is critical for our community and our economy. More than ever, we understand the correlation between mental health and a thriving workforce,” said Sarah Davasher-Wisdom, president and CEO of GLI. “GLI and the business community are grateful to the Human Foundation for their investment in helping these organizations increase their impact and provide their mental health services to people in our community who need it most.”
According to data from KFF, across the state, at least 215 more psychiatrists are needed to support the Commonwealth’s population. Findings from the Fitzhugh Mullan Institute for Health Workforce Equity show that shortage of providers is particularly acute in Louisville’s Jefferson County, which is home to less than 13% of the state’s mental health counselors and 25% of the state’s workforce.
“Each of the grant recipients is already doing incredible work for our community and this funding will help expand their reach to more people in underserved neighborhoods who need support,” said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg. “Thank you to the Humana Foundation, GLI, and all the organizations who contributed for investing in growing this critical sector and prioritizing addressing the ongoing mental health challenges many in our city face.”
Funding will be allocated to all recipients by December 31, 2023, and all applicants are required to submit detailed reporting after one year.
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About Humana Foundation
The Humana Foundation was established in 1981 as the philanthropic arm of Humana Inc. and is focused on health equity, working to eliminate unjust, avoidable and unnecessary barriers in health and healthcare. The Foundation fosters evidence-based collaborations and investments that help people in underserved communities live connected, healthy lives. As a steward of good health, the Foundation creates healthy emotional connections for people and communities and is shaping a healthier approach to nutrition to support lifelong well-being. For more information, visit humanafoundation.org.
Humana Inc. and the Humana Foundation believe everyone should have access to the tools and support needed to have a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. Our commitment to improving health outcomes for all – our members and patients, employees, the communities we serve, the healthcare system, and the environment – is the foundation of our Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) impact platform.
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