Cigna Announces First Grant Awardees for Youth Mental Health Programme

The announcement, made on August 5, 2024, marks the beginning of a multi-year initiative to tackle rising mental health concerns in the wake of the pandemic.

US-based Cigna has unveiled the first 22 awardees in its new grant program to address mental health issues among young people. 

The announcement, made on August 5, 2024, marks the beginning of a multi-year initiative to tackle rising mental health concerns in the wake of the pandemic.

The funding, totaling $9 million, will be distributed to various organizations focusing on mental health support for children and teenagers aged five to 18. 

This is the first time that nearly half of these recipients are receiving financial support from Cigna or its philanthropic arm, the Cigna Group Foundation.

Programme Goals

The program's primary goal is to address the post-pandemic stress affecting youth and enhance mental health support within schools. Cigna’s initiative aims to strengthen social-emotional skills in young people and increase the capacity of parents and caregivers to support those struggling with mental health challenges. 

The program will also work towards improving pathways to mental health treatment for young individuals.

Melissa Skottegaard, board chair of The Cigna Group Foundation, said,  “At a time when there's been a significant uptick in demand for mental health care, The Cigna Group Foundation is focused on improving the health and vitality of our communities through strong partnerships with local nonprofits. Right now, improving the mental well-being of our kids and teens is a clear priority for us, and we are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with so many organizations making a difference in their communities.”

Expansion Plans

Looking ahead, Cigna plans to invest over $27 million in grants over the next three years. 

The new phase of the initiative will seek to partner with community groups addressing youth mental health challenges and barriers to equitable mental health care. Applications for these grants will open through May 22, 2025. 

The focus will be on programs that enhance emotional and social skills, improve overall well-being, and increase access to mental health care.

Cigna’s initiative also aims to address mental health issues among veterans and promote health equity. This will involve expanding the reach of programs targeting post-pandemic stress and those implemented in educational settings.

In addition to the national focus, the grant program will target specific states where Cigna has a significant presence, including Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas. It will also extend to selected international communities.

Commenting on the grant, Chad Hartman, national vice president of corporate partnerships and engagement for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, said, “The mental and physical health of our nation’s youth largely hinges on the village that surrounds them, and we are grateful that this partnership will allow us to expand that to more kids and teens across the nation.”

Applications for grants supporting veterans' mental health and health equity programs are expected to open in the fall. 

The programme's first phase has highlighted Cigna’s strategic approach to tackling mental health issues. This approach focuses on community-based solutions and supports organizations already working on the ground to aid young people.