Funding from the Connecticut Health Foundation will support advocacy efforts to ensure the effective implementation of Medicaid payment for community health workers (CHWs), a workforce that is instrumental in achieving health equity.
The Connecticut Association for Community Action, Community Health Center Association of Connecticut, and Southwestern AHEC will each receive a $65,000 grant to work together to educate community health workers on the legislative process, build awareness for the importance of sustainable funding for their services, and organize a group of supporters on the issue.
A Connecticut law passed in 2023 requires Medicaid to pay for community health worker services, however, state lawmakers have not provided funding for implementing coverage of these services. The three organizations receiving grants will help ensure CHWs are valued and compensated for the essential role they play in the health care system.
CHWs bridge the gap between the health care system and the social services that also contribute to patients’ well-being. CHWs build trust with their clients, who often come from similar backgrounds and communities, and help directly address their needs and connect them to resources. Because of their roles as trusted professionals, CHWs have been instrumental in improving health outcomes and reducing health care costs.
“Connecticut has made great strides in assuring that there is a pathway for training, certification, and payment of community health workers,” said Tiffany Donelson, president and CEO of the Connecticut Health Foundation. “The next step is to ensure the state matches this recognition with resources for sustainability so that these workers can continue to serve their communities.”
The Connecticut Health Foundation also awarded four grants during the third quarter, totaling $350,000. The grantees are:
Make the Road Connecticut, Hartford, $65,000
This grant will support Make the Road Connecticut in its continued advocacy for HUSKY expansion for all income-eligible families, regardless of immigration status. The organization will collect individual stories to highlight the real people who would benefit from expanded coverage. Funding will also be used to train community members on the advocacy process and provide education about HUSKY expansion.
Connecticut Students for a Dream, Bridgeport, $65,000
Connecticut Students for a Dream will use this funding to provide training and leadership development to community members to prepare them to participate in public testimony for HUSKY expansion to families regardless of immigration status. These efforts will focus on immigrant youth in Danbury, New Haven, and Hartford.
HUSKY 4 Immigrants, Bridgeport, $195,000 (3-year grant)
With this three-year grant, the HUSKY 4 Immigrants coalition will continue its advocacy for expanding HUSKY coverage to people regardless of immigration status beyond the current age limits.
PRESIDENT’S DISCRETIONARY GRANT
President’s discretionary grants are awarded to organizations and institutions that respond to the foundation’s overall mission or priority areas.
Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Hartford, $25,000
This funding will be used by the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for its Champions for Diversity & Health Equity program. The program seeks to increase the number of behavioral health professionals who are trained in culturally responsive practices. Participants of the program receive resources and education that help providers understand and address the unique needs of different racial and ethnic groups.
For more information, please contact Gaby Molina at gaby@cthealth.org or 860-724-1580 x 133.
About the Connecticut Health Foundation
The Connecticut Health Foundation is the state’s largest independent health philanthropy dedicated to improving health outcomes for people of color. Since its creation in 1999, the foundation has awarded more than $78 million to nonprofit organizations and public entities to expand health equity, reduce health disparities, expand health coverage, and improve the health of all Connecticut residents.
