Saint Francis Hospital in Hartford has received a $250,000 grant from The Cigna Group Foundation to expand programs aimed at reducing health disparities and improving access to care in underserved communities. The funding, awarded through the foundation’s Health Equity Impact Fund, will support a hybrid care initiative focused on hypertension management and preventive health services.
Together for Wellness Program
The hospital will use the grant to launch “Together for Wellness,” a program designed to improve blood pressure management through a combination of virtual care and in-clinic support. The initiative targets patients with high blood pressure or uncontrolled hypertension and aims to reduce barriers to ongoing care. The program incorporates remote monitoring, nutrition education, and coordinated care, while embedding community health workers within primary care practices. The approach is based on care models developed by Trinity Health of New England, which integrate clinical services with social support.
Addressing Health Inequity
According to Valerie Powell-Stafford, president of Saint Francis Hospital, the grant enhances the hospital’s ability to advance equitable health outcomes in the communities it serves. The funding will expand evidence-based initiatives that address barriers such as access to preventive care, nutritious foods, and culturally responsive services. Research cited by the hospital indicates that social factors including housing, education, transportation, and food access account for up to 80 percent of health outcomes, contributing to disparities in chronic disease and life expectancy.
Broader Foundation Commitment
The grant is part of a larger philanthropic initiative by The Cigna Group Foundation, which has committed more than $27 million over three years to nonprofit organizations addressing mental health and health equity nationwide. The “Together for Wellness” program will roll out in phases, with a focus on expanding access to preventive care and improving cardiovascular outcomes across Hartford communities.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://patch.com/connecticut/hartford/hartford-area-hospital-gets-major-grant-hypertension-care