Tufts Health Plan Foundation Grant Helps JP Seniors

The Tufts Health Plan Foundation announced today more than $1.6 million in new funding to 34 Massachusetts and Rhode Island-based organizations as part of its first cycle of funding for 2013. 

Included in the Cycle 1 2013 grants is Brigham and Women’s Hospital, which received a $49,878 grant to fund the hospital’s Nuestra Generación (“Our Generation”) program, taking place at Southern Jamaica Plain Health Center. The program, designed to improve the physical and emotional health of low-income, at risk seniors, will help older adults access food stamps and Meals on Wheels; participate in activities such as weekly yoga and workout classes; receive health education tools to manage their chronic diseases; and engage in weekly support groups.  

The Tufts Health Plan Foundation awarded the largest number of grants this cycle in its Health & Wellness program area, primarily for initiatives that promote chronic disease self-management and prevention, exercise and nutrition, and fall prevention. The foundation also awarded more than 25 percent of its grants in the area of Purposeful Engagement, which includes community involvement, volunteerism and intergenerational programs as well as caregiver support programs. In addition, two state-wide Empowerment programs in Massachusetts received funding for campaigns targeted at educating older adults about taking control of their health. 

“Health and wellness programs are critical to healthy aging, but so are programs that change people’s lives through social and purposeful engagement,” said David Abelman, president of the Tufts Health Plan Foundation. “We’re proud to partner with a diverse group of nonprofit organizations that recognize how important health education, social connections, physical activity and community service are to improving the overall health and well-being of a growing population of older adults.”  

For a full list of Cycle 1 2013 grant recipients, please visit: http://www.tuftshealthplanfoundation.org/pdf/2013_Grants.pdf 

About the Tufts Health Plan Foundation

Tufts Health Plan launched the Tufts Health Plan Foundation in 2008 with the mission to promote healthy lifestyles and the delivery of quality care in our communities. With a focus on healthy aging, the foundation has given approximately $10 million to Massachusetts and Rhode Island nonprofits that elevate the physical, mental and emotional well-being of older adults and their caregivers. Through grants in three areas – health & wellness, purposeful engagement and empowerment – the foundation seeks to fund programs that will help adults age 60 or older improve and maintain their health, manage their chronic diseases, prevent falls, engage in their communities, find encore careers and volunteer opportunities, and access programs and services. Visit www.tuftshealthplanfoundation.org or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.