Aetna Awarded $227,500 to Washington Nonprofits in 2008
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SEATTLE, Wash., February 05, 2009 — Aetna (NYSE: AET) and the Aetna Foundation awarded community grants and sponsorships in Washington totaling $227,500, with a particular focus on disease prevention, obesity and health screenings. The contributions support Aetna's commitment to enhancing the quality of health care, and reducing racial and ethnic disparities. In total, Aetna and the Aetna Foundation awarded more than $25 million nationally in 2008. The 10 grant recipients were:
"Aetna is proud to support organizations in Washington which are making great strides in targeting health care issues that affect our communities," said Ron Smith, market head for Aetna in Washington. "As a responsible corporate citizen, we recognize our obligation to help address these critical needs." The Aetna Foundation awarded a $50,000 grant to the Center for Multicultural Health to develop and implement quarterly eight-session diabetes education classes that provide opportunities for African-Americans living with diabetes. The International Community Health Services received a $50,000 grant to increase access to linguistically and culturally appropriate, evidence-based diabetes information to improve health outcomes through bilingual education classes, peer support groups and self-management classes for Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Filipino (Ilocano and Tagalog), Samoan/English and Vietnamese. A $25,000 grant was given to the Pacific Northwest Diabetes Research Institute to support their Newborn Diabetes Screening Program. The Aetna Foundation awarded the American Cancer Society-Great West Division Inc. a $25,000 grant to support Camp Good Times West. The camp provides a safe, supportive setting for up to 287 children, teens and young adults from Washington, Oregon and Alaska who have been touched by cancer. The Olive Crest Treatment Centers, Inc. received a $25,000 grant to provide comprehensive mental health treatment and case management for foster and at-risk youth who suffer from sever behavioral and mental health problems. Under a $25,000 grant, Solid Ground's Apple Corps program is able to increase the number of low-income children who will receive nutrition and fitness education, which is integral to healthy development. The Aetna Foundation awarded the University of Washington's Resource Center for Health Policy (RCHP) a $12,500 grant to support the Genomics Workshop, which addresses questions about the appropriate integration of genetic testing into health care delivery. The American Lung Association of Washington received a $5,000 educational grant to underwrite costs of the 2008 Puget Sound Walk. Funds raised at this event will be invested in the Lung Association's asthma education programs and research. A grant in the amount of $5,000 was given to the Washington State Medical Education and Research for their annual meeting which held business and policy meetings as well as educational sessions. The Aetna Foundation awarded a $5,000 grant to the Eastside Domestic Violence Program's Safe Passage Breakfast to raise funds and awareness for life-saving services for victims of domestic violence in the community. About the Aetna Foundation The Foundation's giving is focused on health, diversity and employee community involvement, with broader programs in our home state of Connecticut. Since 1980, Aetna and the Aetna Foundation have contributed over $334 million in grants, sponsorships and social investments. In 2007, Aetna and the Aetna Foundation contributed $24.5 million nationally. Additional information about the Aetna Foundation is available at About Aetna |
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