Humana Foundation Quarterly Newsletter

Recently, the Humana Foundation published its first report titled, "Strengthening Science and Community Impact Through Equitable Research Practice," authored by Humana Foundation team members Heather Hyden and Soojin Conover.

 In the report, we highlight how research partners are using innovative, equitable practices that reflect three key themes:

• Expanding access and opportunity by designing culturally responsive studies and partnering with trusted local institutions like schools and churches.
• Promoting community leadership by involving local voices in shaping research through advisory boards and collaborative planning.
• Respecting human dignity by ensuring participant safety, fair compensation, and reducing stigma around study participation.

The aim of these practices is to help build stronger relationships between researchers and communities, leading to more impactful and sustainable health solutions. In a call to action, we encourage funders to:

• Prioritize health equity by supporting research that uses innovative, community-engaged methods to reach underserved and diverse populations.
• Adopt flexible funding models that give researchers the resources and adaptability needed to respond to evolving community health needs.

(View the full research report on our website)

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- The Humana Foundation has donated $50,000 to advance sustained recovery efforts in Kentucky communities devastated by the most recent wave of severe storms and tornadoes.

On Friday, May 16, powerful storms swept across the state, causing widespread destruction—particularly in Laurel and Pulaski Counties. The city of London experienced considerable damage, and residents across the region continue to grapple with the aftermath of a relentless spring tornado season. At least 19 lives were lost in what has become yet another tragic weather disaster.

In response to the recent tornadoes, the Humana Foundation is directing $50,000 to the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky to help address urgent needs and foster healing and restoration. This funding, part of the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to helping communities in times of crisis will help provide critical resources and assist individuals inundated because of this catastrophe.

Humana employees are also actively contributing to a dedicated giving campaign, with the Humana Foundation matching all donations. Humana Foundation Donates $50,000 to Support Tornado-Impacted Communities.

The Humana Foundation team visited “Miami Senior Planet,” a community center for seniors operated by Foundation partner Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) by AARP, during a team huddle in 2024. After an inspiring day helping seniors learn about and navigate technology, the Foundation team invited its board of directors for a site visit to Miami Senior Planet to experience hands-on the impact of the Humana Foundation’s grant with our partner OATS.

“We’re thrilled to bring our board here to Senior Planet by OATS in Miami, and the most exciting thing for us is that we have stayed committed to OATS,” Humana Foundation CEO Tiffany Benjamin said. “We saw the doors open and this year we came back; And what we see is a place filled with love and light and joy and people learning about technology and really improving their own lives.”

Senior Planet is the Miami-area’s first technology-themed community center for older adults where visitors can receive assistance with technology and learn new skills in a spacious, modern center. The Humana Foundation’s partnership with OATS extends through 2027.

“There are a lot of people (at the facility); the whole room was filled with seniors having lunch, waiting for class,” Chairman of the Humana Foundation’s Board of Directors David Jones said. “People come not only for education about how to use technology, not only to make their lives better, but also it’s become a social hub.”

BACKGROUND: Greater Louisville Inc. (GLI) is a metro chamber of commerce for the Louisville region, working to grow the regional economy and improve quality of life through partnerships, policy and investment.

THE NEWS: The Humana Foundation partnered with GLI to fund expanded access to mental health services across Louisville in response to the tragic shooting in April 2023 at Old National Bank. Six local mental health organizations received funding to add staff, improve outreach and extend care options. In the first year, the initiative connected more than 4,500 people to mental health services.

 WHY IT MATTERS:

•  The grants helped providers hire 31 new mental health professionals and extend care to underserved populations. Funding also helped establish or expand 25 partnerships with local nonprofits, education institutions and community organizations.
• ·Community partners reported reduced wait time, increased service capacity and greater access to culturally responsive care.

WHAT’S NEXT: GLI and its partners will use data from this first year to explore long-term models that expand mental health access. Additional funding partners have joined the effort, and future phases may scale the initiative across Kentucky.