Grant winner will purchase medical equipment for early diagnosis of health problems in women, infants
Humana Inc.Corporate Communications:Ross McLerran, 210-617-1771
Houston Area Community Services (HACS) has been awarded a $100,000 grant as the winner of this year’s Humana Communities Benefit program in Houston. The grant was funded by the Humana Foundation, the philanthropic arm of (NYSE: HUM).
Founded in 1998, HACS is a nonprofit organization that provides affordable, quality medical care, pharmacy, behavioral health, and support services to individuals and families residing in Harris County and the surrounding areas, regardless of economic status.
With the $100,000 grant, HACS will purchase medical equipment to offer obstetrics/gynecology procedures for women living below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Funds will provide for one ultrasound machine, one colposcope and other specialized services that will ultimately significantly reduce unnecessary referrals to private providers that might be too expensive for the target population.
The colposcope, following an initial Pap test, is the most effective screening tool for cervical cancer while the ultrasound is used in fetal imaging to determine multiple births, position of the baby, the sex of the baby, gestational age and if abnormalities exist. Ultrasound equipment can also be instrumental in high-risk pregnancy and infertility.
“No other community health provider is currently offering colposcopy in the service area, where it is critically needed,” said Joe Fuentes, Jr., Chief Executive Officer of the Houston Area Community Services. “More than 1,200 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in Texas each year, but early diagnosis can certainly increase the chances of survival. With the help of the Humana Communities Benefit grant, we will make a positive impact on the health of local women and infants.”
In its eighth year in the Houston area, the Humana Communities Benefit program, funded by the Humana Foundation, gives 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris and Montgomery counties the opportunity to receive a one-time gift of $100,000 to create new programs or enhance ongoing activities that have a positive transformational impact on the organization and the community. The grant enables the nonprofit to reach new milestones in its effort to improve health experiences or build healthy communities. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Humana Communities Benefit program which is now active in eight cities across the country.
“The Humana Communities Benefit program is focused on providing grants to nonprofit organizations that promote health and well-being in the local community,” said Linda Hummel, President of Humana’s Commercial Operations in Texas and Chairwoman of this year’s charitable awards program. “Through this grant many woman and infants in Harris County will have access to effective, quality care. Humana and the Humana Foundation are thrilled to help the Houston Area Community Services fulfill this need in the community.”
A panel of local judges - comprised of community leaders and business representatives - worked with Humana to select the $100,000 grant winner. Finalists then made formal presentations before the panel. Local judges who assisted in this year’s decision included: Beth Wolff of Beth Wolff Realtors, Irene Helsinger of Helsinger & Associates, Philamena Baird, Community Leader and Philanthropist, Donna Mittendorf of Coamerica Bank, Randall Walker of Bank of Texas, Mark Kennedy of Benefit Concepts, Warren Kolb of WARREN Business Services, Barbara Duganier of Accenture, Arthur Baird, Community Leader and Philanthropist, and Rebecca White of Houston Area Women’s Center, last year’s Humana Communities Benefit winner.
This year’s winner was announced at a celebratory dinner Thursday, Oct. 11 at Brennan’s, 3300 Smith Street.
For more information on the Humana Communities Benefit program in Houston, visit .
The Humana Foundation was established in 1981 as the philanthropic arm of Humana Inc., one of the nation’s leading health care companies. Located in Louisville, Ky., the site of Humana’s corporate headquarters, the Foundation’s mission is to promote healthy lives and healthy communities. The Foundation’s key funding priorities are childhood health, intergenerational health, and active lifestyles. For more information, visit .
Humana and the Humana Foundation are dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility. Our goal is to ensure that every business decision we make reflects our commitment to improving the health and well-being of our members, our associates, the communities we serve, and our planet.
Humana Inc., headquartered in Louisville, Ky., is a leading health care company that offers a wide range of insurance products and health and wellness services that incorporate an integrated approach to lifelong well-being. By leveraging the strengths of its core businesses, Humana believes it can better explore opportunities for existing and emerging adjacencies in health care that can further enhance wellness opportunities for the millions of people across the nation with whom the company has relationships.
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