General News
Published May 13, 2019
Premera is doing more than just talking about healthcare.
Through our Social Impact program, Premera donated $9.5 million in grants
and sponsorships to organizations throughout Washington and Alaska in 2018. In
2019 we hope to make even more of an impact in the communities we serve.
Recently, we announced $595,000 in grants for six nonprofit
organizations across Washington. This investment is designed to support
behavioral health solutions, particularly in underserved communities.
According to studies by the National Institute of Mental
Health, approximately 1 in 5 adults in the United States experiences mental
illness in a given year, and approximately 1 in 5 youths aged 13 to 18 have
experienced a severe mental disorder at some point during their life.
“Behavioral health is an issue we all need to address
together by reducing the stigma around the conditions and providing access to
care,” said Paul Hollie, who leads Premera Social Impact. “These programs
strive to make a difference in the lives of individuals and families in their
communities.”
Grant recipients
The following nonprofit organizations received grants from Premera.
Community Foundation
of Snohomish County, in Everett, will receive $200,000 over two years to
support the renovation of The Village at Casino Road Community Center. The
center will provide resources and vital services to the families located in the
Casino Road area.
Friends of Youth,
in Kirkland, will receive $75,000 to support children with behavioral problems
through Parent Child Interaction Therapy, including increasing pro-social
behaviors and self-esteem in the children, reducing parent frustration, and
strengthening parent-child bonds.
Lydia Place, in
Bellingham, will receive $140,000 over two years to support the only program in
Whatcom County to offer mobile, onsite, mental health therapy for those
experiencing homelessness.
Powerful Voices,
in Seattle, will receive $50,000 to support strengths-based, trauma-informed
case management for girls of color by hosting a series of outreach and
engagement events. In addition, the group will provide in-depth,
trauma-informed training for case managers.
Progress House
Association, in Tacoma, will receive $100,000 to support behavioral health
programs in their new Clubhouse facility. Clubhouses are accredited facilities
nationwide with a proven approach to enhance the services of psychiatric
facilities, offering members meaningful work, purpose, dignity, and the opportunity
to take pride in palpable accomplishments.
The Service Board,
in Seattle, will receive $30,000 to train staff and launch mental health
programs that will support youth between ages 14 and 19 from marginalized
populations to strengthen the capacity and overall well-being of Seattle’s most
vulnerable communities.