Saint Francis Hospital Receives Grant from The Cigna Group Foundation to Advance Health Equity and Access

“This grant enhances our ability to advance equitable health outcomes in the communities we serve,” said Valerie Powell-Stafford, MHSA, FACHE, President, Saint Francis Hospital. “With this support, we will expand evidence-based initiatives that address barriers such as access to preventive care, nutritious foods, and culturally responsive services. We are grateful for The Cigna Group Foundation’s collaboration in this work.”

Research shows that up to 80% of a person’s health outcomes are influenced by social drivers of health, including housing stability, education, economic opportunity, transportation, and food access. These factors disproportionately affect underserved communities, contributing to preventable gaps in health status, life expectancy, and chronic disease outcomes.

The grant from The Cigna Group Foundation will help launch Together for Wellness, Saint Francis Hospital’s innovative hybrid care program designed to expand access to blood pressure management for patients and community residents with high blood pressure or uncontrolled hypertension. This initiative combines virtual care with clinic-based support to improve health outcomes, promote wellness, and reduce barriers to care. The program leverages Trinity Health Of New England’s model of clinical and social care integration by embedding Community Health Workers (CHWs) within primary care practices to support patients in managing their chronic disease and addressing their health-related social needs.

Through remote blood pressure monitoring, personalized nutrition education, and coordinated care, Together for Wellness empowers individuals to take control of their heart health and expands access to entire households helping them manage hypertension and gain access to other preventative care needs. 

“Whether at home or in the clinic, Together for Wellness ensures patients are never alone in their journey to better blood pressure,” said Carolyn Alessi, MBA, Regional Director, Community Health and Well Being, Trinity Health Of New England. “By integrating technology, community outreach, and clinical expertise, the program strengthens access, equity, and long-term cardiovascular wellness.”

“Progress toward health equity requires us to confront disparities at their source and partner closely with organizations that truly understand their communities,” said Andrea Nelson, Board Member, The Cigna Group Foundation. “We are proud to support Saint Francis Hospital as they work to eliminate structural barriers and broaden access to essential health resources. Together, we’re creating sustainable pathways to fairer, healthier outcomes.”

The Cigna Group Foundation’s Health Equity Impact Fund focuses on U.S. cities with pronounced health inequities, including Hartford. Research shows that Hartford struggles with high poverty rates and lower life expectancy compared to other Connecticut cities. Additionally, Hartford residents are disproportionately likely to forgo health care due to lack of access to reliable transportation, and lack of access to primary care and/or lack of trust in care.

The Cigna Group Foundation has a long history of impactful partnerships with nonprofits, and announced a philanthropic and community engagement initiative that has committed more than $27 million in grants over three years to nonprofit organizations focused on improving youth and veteran mental health, and by reducing barriers to health equity. The Health Equity Impact Fund is part of these grants. 

More information on The Cigna Group Foundation’s Health Equity Impact Fund can be found here.