OHIO — The second year of Ohio’s Medicaid Health Plans Community Reinvestment program is off and running, resulting in millions of dollars going into nonprofits in the Buckeye State.
This year, more than $6.9 million went into 26 nonprofit organizations in Athens and Cuyahoga counties.
What You Need To Know
Grants help the organizations with community-led initiatives to handle issues that can affect physical health, behavioral health, employment, nutrition, early childhood development and access to care
The work is part of the Community Reinvestment Collaborative Plan (CRCP) created under the Ohio Department of Medicaid’s Next Generation of Medicaid Managed Care (NextGen) program
While a statewide steering committee gave insight for the initiative, regional advisory committees in Athens and Cuyahoga counties served as local boards
Grants help the organizations with community-led initiatives to handle issues that can affect physical health, behavioral health, employment, nutrition, early childhood development and access to care. The program’s focus is eliminating health disparities and building healthier futures for Ohioans.
The work is part of the Community Reinvestment Collaborative Plan created under the Ohio Department of Medicaid’s Next Generation of Medicaid Managed Care program. The CRCP looks to establish long-term partnerships, locally informed decision-making and investments that reflect the priorities of the community.
While a statewide steering committee gave insight for the initiative, regional advisory committees in Athens and Cuyahoga counties served as local boards. The committees, consisting of representatives from Ohio’s Medicaid health plans and local integrator organizations, engaged with residents, held community focus groups and ensured alignment with the CRCP’s goals.
“This investment shows our dedication to tackling the everyday challenges that impact people’s health,” said Dr. Mary Applegate, ODM medical director. “By supporting community-led solutions in housing, behavioral health, employment and early childhood development, we’re not just funding programs, we’re building healthier, stronger futures for Ohioans.”
Ohio’s Medicaid Health Plans include Aetna OhioRISE, AmeriHealth Caritas Ohio, Inc., Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Buckeye Community Health Plan, CareSource Ohio, Inc., Humana Healthy Horizons in Ohio, Molina Healthcare of Ohio, Inc. and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Ohio, Inc.
Each plan contributed its expertise in evaluating proposals and reaching a consensus on funding.
“These grants reflect the deep commitment of Ohio’s Medicaid health plans to improving health where people live, learn, work and grow,” said Kelly O’Reilly, president and chief executive officer of the Ohio Association of Health Plans. “This kind of coordinated effort with strong local partners is something very special to Ohio and shows the power of collective action when everyone is moving in the same direction.”
ODM said most investments are targeted outside clinical settings for programs that meet people in schools, homes, community centers and other trusted environments.
View the full list of the grant recipients below:
Athens County
Integrated Services for Behavioral Health—The Hive ($200,000): Out-of-school program that provides meals, mentoring, academic help and behavioral health supports.
NAMI Athens—Community Resource Center ($1,125,000): Creation of a central location for mental health education, resources and support groups.
Cuyahoga County
A Vision of Change Inc.—Community Village to Wellness ($309,329): Reentry, housing and workforce supports for individuals returning from incarceration.
Family Connections of Northeast Ohio—Expanding Early Childhood Supports ($150,000): Parent education, early childhood programs and family support networks.
Hands-On Health—Wellness Education in Underserved Communities ($100,000): Nutrition, movement and wellness education in schools and community settings.
Vision To Learn—Vision Services for Children in Underserved Schools ($460,000): Mobile vision clinics that provide screenings, exams and free glasses to students.