Community Reinvestment Grants

Community Reinvestment Grants is sponsored by Ohio's Medicaid Health Plans. Invests in community-led initiatives addressing health disparities and building healthier futures for Ohioans.

Ohio’s Medicaid Health Plans Announce New Round of Community Reinvestment Grants - Ohio Association of Health Plans Ohio’s Medicaid Health Plans Announce New Round of Community Reinvestment Grants $6.

9 million awarded to 26 organizations in Athens and Cuyahoga counties to address local health disparities and strengthen community well-being COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio’s Medicaid health plans are proud to kick off the second year of their groundbreaking Community Reinvestment program, investing over $6. 9 million into 26 nonprofit organizations in Athens and Cuyahoga counties.

These grants power bold, community-led initiatives tackling issues that can affect physical health, including housing stability, behavioral health, employment, nutrition, early childhood development, and access to care. All investments advance the program’s central focus: eliminating health disparities and building healthier futures for all Ohioans.

This work is part of the Community Reinvestment Collaborative Plan (CRCP) created under the Ohio Department of Medicaid’s (ODM) Next Generation of Medicaid Managed Care (NextGen) program. The CRCP emphasizes long-term partnerships, locally informed decision-making and investments that reflect community priorities.

For a second year, Ohio’s Medicaid health plans worked together to identify needs and evaluate proposed projects using a shared review framework. A statewide steering committee provided strategic oversight for the initiative, while regional advisory committees in Athens and Cuyahoga counties served as locally based governance bodies.

Made up of representatives from Ohio’s Medicaid health plans and local integrator organizations, these committees actively engaged residents, facilitated community focus groups, identified core values and priority needs, and ensured alignment with the CRCP’s goals. Selected projects address one or more social drivers of health including employment, education, community environment and access to care.

“This investment shows our dedication to tackling the everyday challenges that impact people’s health,” said Dr. Mary Applegate, ODM medical director. “By supporting community-led solutions in housing, behavioral health, employment and early childhood development, we’re not just funding programs, we’re building healthier, stronger futures for Ohioans.

” Ohio’s Medicaid Health Plans, which include Aetna OhioRISE , AmeriHealth Caritas Ohio, Inc. , Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield , Buckeye Community Health Plan , CareSource Ohio, Inc. , Humana Healthy Horizons in Ohio , Molina Healthcare of Ohio, Inc. and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Ohio, Inc. , worked together to evaluate proposals and reach consensus on funding decisions.

Each plan contributed its expertise with an emphasis on coordinated investment rather than individual action. “These grants reflect the deep commitment of Ohio’s Medicaid health plans to improving health where people live, learn, work and grow,” said Kelly O’Reilly, president and chief executive officer of the Ohio Association of Health Plans.

“This kind of coordinated effort with strong local partners is something very special to Ohio and shows the power of collective action when everyone is moving in the same direction. ” Most investments are intentionally directed outside traditional clinical settings to support programs that meet people in schools, homes, community centers and other trusted environments.

The goal is to close gaps that contribute to health disparities and strengthen community-based organizations that make healthier lives possible. 2024 Community Reinvestment Grant Recipients ADAMHS Board – The Woods at Dairy Lane ($500,000) – Housing that provides safe therapeutic supports for individuals with serious and persistent mental illness.

Habitat for Humanity of Southeast Ohio – Training Center Coordinator ($60,000) – Expansion of skills training through a dedicated coordinator. Integrated Services for Behavioral Health – The Hive ($200,000) – Out-of-school program that provides meals, mentoring, academic help and behavioral health supports. John W.

Clem Recovery House – Recovery Housing Renovations ($103,820) – Renovations to maintain certified sober-living housing for men in recovery. Mental Health America – Teen Mental Health First Aid ($68,000) – Youth mental health first aid training for Athens County high schools. NAMI Athens – Community Resource Center ($1,125,000) – Creation of a central location for mental health education, resources and support groups.

Rural Action – Produce to the People: Country Fresh Stops ($20,000) – Improved access to fresh produce in underserved rural communities. Southeastern Ohio Legal Services – Pathways to Housing Stability ($150,000) – Legal advocacy and eviction-prevention services for households facing housing instability.

The Gathering Place – Conestoga Hut Project ($195,000) – Construction of micro-shelters that provide immediate safety for individuals experiencing homelessness. A Vision of Change Inc. – Community Village to Wellness ($309,329) – Reentry, housing and workforce supports for individuals returning from incarceration.

Case Western Reserve University – Trauma-Informed Behavioral Health Supports ($255,500) – Expansion of behavioral health supports in high-need neighborhoods. Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio – School-Based Integrated Health Care ($773,760) – Academic and behavioral health supports for students and families across partnering districts.

Family Connections of Northeast Ohio – Expanding Early Childhood Supports ($150,000) – Parent education, early childhood programs and family support networks. Footpath Foundation – Outdoor Learning and Enrichment ($78,000) – Outdoor learning experiences designed to support healthy development. FrontLine Service – Reducing Barriers to Mental Health for Homeless ($297,574.

15) – Crisis response and housing support for people facing behavioral health challenges and homelessness. Goodwill Industries – Mobile Employment and Digital Skills Lab ($75,500) – Workforce development and digital skills training for individuals facing employment barriers. Hands-On Health – Wellness Education in Underserved Communities ($100,000) – Nutrition, movement and wellness education in schools and community settings.

Joseph’s Home – Lifeline to Health and Housing ($125,000) – Medical respite and transitional housing for individuals experiencing homelessness and acute medical conditions. Kent State University – Sister Circles for Black Perinatal Mothers ($300,000) – Culturally responsive mental health and community support programs for Black mothers.

Neighborhood Leadership Institute – One Community Health Equity Initiative ($45,000) – Leadership development and community organizing to advance local health equity. Ohio Professionals Health Program – Provider Wellness and Care Coordination ($300,000) – Confidential behavioral health and wellness support for healthcare professionals.

Positive Education Program – Family Support Systems and Services ($375,000) – Trauma-informed support for families of children with complex behavioral and developmental needs. Providence House – Family Preservation Crisis Nursery ($250,000) – Emergency shelter and wraparound services that stabilize families and help prevent child welfare involvement.

The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland – Medical-Legal Partnership Expansion ($400,000) – Civil legal assistance embedded in healthcare settings to address social drivers of health. Towards Employment – WorkAdvance Career Pathways ($200,000) – Career training and long-term coaching for residents of distressed neighborhoods.

Vision To Learn – Vision Services for Children in Underserved Schools ($460,000) – Mobile vision clinics that provide screenings, exams and free glasses to students. About the Ohio Association of Health Plans The Ohio Association of Health Plans is a statewide association dedicated to working with legislators, providers, nonprofits and other partners to improve the health of Ohioans through access to quality, affordable care.