During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, people across Arizona are facing challenges that extend beyond medical care and include basic daily needs such as food, internet connectivity, and essential supplies.

Centene, a leading multi-national healthcare company, has partnered with various organizations to support efforts that address these social determinants of health.

Arizona Complete Health, as part of the Centene family, will be deploying these programs locally in Arizona, according to a press release.

Social determinants of health are non-medical barriers to achieving quality health outcomes. They include socioeconomic and environment factors such as food accessibility, employment, education, and more. Research shows that medical care accounts for approximately 10-20% of health outcomes, while the other 80-90% is affected by the social determinants of health.

“The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are far-reaching and have extended beyond medical care to affect people’s access to food, employment, connectivity, and more,” said Monica Coury, Arizona Complete Health spokesperson.

“These social determinants of health have a significant impact on people’s overall wellbeing, especially among vulnerable populations. As part of the Centene family, Arizona Complete Health wants to help ensure we’re supporting the additional needs of communities during this challenging time.”

Hunger and food security

The demand on food banks has significantly increased during this pandemic, and it is estimated that these organizations will need an additional $1.4 billion in funding during the next six months to provide food assistance to people facing hunger, the press release stated.

In partnership with the national hunger relief, non-profit Feeding America and its network of food banks, Centene, together with Arizona Complete Health, will coordinate the donation of $80,000 to support the needs of food banks across the State.

Additionally, the health plan will coordinate the disbursement of 1,500 Walmart gift cards valued at $35 each for distribution to Arizonans in need.

Supporting community partners

As part of its active local involvement and recognizing the devastating impact COVID-19 has had on the economy, Arizona Complete Health will also offer grant opportunities totaling $250,000 to organizations that provide critical services to individuals and communities impacted by COVID-19 or to support organizations that have a history of serving Arizonans but now find themselves in need of financial support.

For more information about these grant opportunities, visit azcompletehealth.com/about-us/community-giving.html.