The CVS Health Foundation announced $2 million in new Health Zones funding to help individuals with chronic health conditions access health care throughout Hartford, Connecticut, according to a CVS Health news release.

 

Chronic health conditions include blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, kidney disease and heart failure.

 

More than two million Connecticut residents—about 57% of the state’s total population— live with one or more chronic health conditions, according to the Connecticut Department of Public Health. Throughout the United States, Latinos face higher rates of chronic conditions, especially obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure, the American Heart Association reports.

 

The $2 million will support the Hispanic Health Council’s Family Wellness Center and its agency partners in Hartford to increase access to comprehensive health care services and resources about preventive care, mental health support, community health education and more. Services are available to anyone in the greater Hartford community.

 

“A variety of interconnected factors influence a person’s health,” said Sheryl Burke, senior vice president of corporate social responsibility and chief sustainability officer at CVS Health, in the release. “To effectively address these specific barriers to improve health outcomes, we are collaborating with local organizations who know the community the best, like the Hispanic Health Council.”

 

What’s more, the grant means the Hispanic Health Council will be able to hire three additional patient navigators to help at-risk individuals navigate the health care process.

 

Patient navigators not only play a crucial role in facilitating improved health care access and quality for underserved populations through advocacy and care coordination, but they also can help address deep-rooted issues related to distrust in health care providers and the health care system.

 

“With CVS Health’s collaboration, our network of providers can more effectively integrate care and help us make future improvements and interventions,” said Ken Barela, CEO of the Hispanic Health Council. “We are proud to join forces in expanding our impact and building a healthier, more resilient Hartford community.”

 

To read more, click #Chronic Illness. There, you’ll find headlines such as “Many Latinos Skip Wellness Checkups,” “Anti-Immigrant Attitudes Worsen Health in Latino Children” and “Yale Clinic Provides Health Care for Those Newly Released From Prison.”