Florida Hospital awards more than $1 million to local nonprofits

Addressing food insecurity, and mental health

From Florida Hospital News

Florida Hospital is pleased to announce it has awarded more than $1.2 million to area nonprofits that provide important services to the underserved and address health disparities in Central Florida.

“We are committed to addressing the needs of the whole person — mind, body, and spirit — and by partnering with local organizations and supporting innovative projects, we are improving the health and well-being of our neighbors,” said Daryl Tol, president and CEO of Florida Hospital and Central Florida Division – Adventist Health System. “From addressing mental health needs to fighting food insecurity, these programs will help the most vulnerable members of our communities get the help they need.”

Florida Hospital’s Community Health Impact Council, commonly known as CHIC, announced this year’s recipient projects:

• Intensive Psychosocial Rehabilitation Initiative: Aspire Health Partners aims to help those diagnosed with severe and persistent mental health disorders regain the ability to live independently through an intensive rehabilitation program. The initiative will target adults with a readmission history to Florida Hospital’s emergency departments and Aspire’s crisis units. ($645,000)
• The Central Florida Healthy Pantry: Second Harvest Food Bank aims to improve the health of low-income Florida Hospital patients who have been diagnosed with diabetes or high blood pressure by making it easier for them to access nutritious food from pantries throughout Central Florida. ($480,000)
• Food Voucher Program: The CHIC grant extends funding to this United Against Poverty program, which aims to provide subsidized access to healthy and nutritious food to low-income Central Floridians diagnosed with malnutrition. ($75,000)

“Our partnership with Florida Hospital will deeply impact the health and well-being of our most vulnerable, low-income neighbors,” said Dave Krepcho, president and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. “Through an innovative approach, we will provide healthy meals and nutritional education for those who struggle to afford the right kinds of food.”

About CHIC

CHIC is a subcommittee of the Florida Hospital Board of Trustees that serves as the governing body for all of Florida Hospital’s community benefit activities. CHIC approves, funds and measures initiatives that improve the overall health of Central Florida, address the needs of targeted populations and helps reduce preventable medical costs. Since its formation in 2004, CHIC has awarded more than $16 million to dozens of projects throughout Central Florida. Projects funded by the Council target chronic-disease management, wellness, and prevention, basic needs or population health.