CHARLOTTE – Three years ago, Bank of America provided a $10 million, five-year grant to support Atrium Health Foundation’s Giving Hope Campaign.
The funding established the Meaningful Medicine program to improve access to health and mental care and bridge workforce development needs in nursing and health-related fields.
“Meaningful Medicine is truly driving Atrium Health’s mission home,” said Shannon Duval, chief philanthropy officer for Advocate Health. “It’s ensuring people in the communities we serve have access to care, and it offers opportunities and training to those who wish to pursue a health care career. The Meaningful Medicine program is driving future economic mobility and supporting Charlotte families.”
The program includes six initiatives: school-based virtual care and therapy, community virtual primary care, workforce development, social health screening and suicide prevention training.
Since launching the program, big wins include:
• School-Based Virtual Care at 115 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools that reached 10,000+ patients (students and teachers) with more than 13,000 visits on campus, during school hours, with a return to classroom rate of 61%.
• School-Based Virtual Therapy at 32 CMS schools, serving the behavioral health and mental wellness needs of 900 students, with more than 11,000 visits.
• Nearly 300 CMS high school students participated in career and workforce development programs.
Atrium Health said the program’s approach helps keep students and staff healthy and in school, reduces absenteeism, and provides supportive behavioral health services as well as career pathways for high school students.
“Meaningful Medicine is a game changer in our schools,” CMS Superintendent Crystal Hill said. “It is a valued and unique virtual resource addressing the direct needs of our families and employees. The career pathway programs are providing the critical training needed for students to become the next generation of medical professionals.”
Other partners include Mecklenburg County Public Health, Central Piedmont Community College, Latin American Coalition, Inlivian Housing and the YMCA of Greater Charlotte.
“The Meaningful Medicine program demonstrates how collaboration can transform access to health and wellness needs, especially in underserved communities and schools,” said Kieth Cockrell, president of Bank of America Charlotte. “This initiative has improved educational impacts and community health outcomes. It has accelerated economic opportunities through workforce development programs where local students can achieve their career goals post-graduation.”
On the web: atriumhealthfoundation.org/meaningfulmedicine