The MolinaCares Accord Invests $1.5 Million to Launch Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging Program Addressing Social Determinants of Health for Seniors and People with Disabilities
Ben Jackey, Ben.Jackey@MolinaHealthcare.com, 502-377-9484
Steven Centofanti, scentofanti@coaaa.org, 614-645-7585
COLUMBUS, Ohio, June 20, 2023 – The MolinaCares Accord (“MolinaCares”), in conjunction with Molina Healthcare of Ohio (“Molina”), has given a $1.5 million grant to the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging (“COAAA”) to aid in the launch of the organization’s new Social Determinants of Health (“SDOH”) Accelerator Program. This initiative aims to create programs and interventions necessary to accelerate health equity.
With assistance from MolinaCares funding, to be disbursed over three years, COAAA will assess and address the social care needs of older adults and people with disabilities. The funds will help support staffing including registered nurses, social workers, and community health professionals.
Foundational to the new program is the development and testing of a screening process as well as the design and implementation of new interventions to meet social care needs such as housing stability, food security, and transportation access – all of which can be determinants of health.
“MolinaCares is proud to fund the SDOH Accelerator Program designed to significantly improve the health and well-being of at-risk populations throughout central Ohio,” said Ami Cole, plan president for Molina Healthcare of Ohio. “This initiative will provide greater access to high-quality care and help remove barriers that currently prevent many Ohioans from living healthier and more fulfilling lives.”
The SDOH Accelerator Program will engage individuals receiving care and case management through COAAA with an emphasis on the diabetic population. According to the National Institutes of Health, about 40% of the adult diabetic population is 65 years old or older; approximately 21% of those adults have a known diagnosis of diabetes, while approximately 16% don’t know they have diabetes. A report on the outcomes, lessons learned, and replicable models will be produced for scaling across a network of area agencies focused on aging and other home and community-based service providers.
“At COAAA, we are uniquely positioned to harness the talent and ideas of our staff, as well as our consumers, to implement a program that is rooted in meeting community needs,” said Katie White, COAAA administrator. “We feel extremely fortunate to partner with Molina. With exceptional, inclusive care as our foundation, we will pave the way for the future of meeting health equity through social care.”
This grant builds upon current efforts to address SDOH in Ohio. Molina has donated more than $100,000 to area organizations focused on food insecurity, housing needs, transportation, and mobile health units for preventive and primary care.
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About The MolinaCares Accord
Established by Molina Healthcare, Inc., The MolinaCares Accord oversees a community investment platform created to improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged populations by funding meaningful, measurable, and innovative programs and solutions that improve health, life, and living in local communities.
About Molina Healthcare of Ohio
Molina Healthcare of Ohio has been providing government-funded, quality health care since 2005. The Company serves members through Medicaid, Medicare, Medicare-Medicaid (Duals) and Health Insurance Exchange programs throughout Ohio. Through its locally operated health plans, Molina Healthcare, Inc., a FORTUNE 500 company, served approximately 5.3 million members as of March 31, 2023. For more information about Molina Healthcare of Ohio, visit MolinaHealthcare.com.
About the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging (COAAA)
The Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging (COAAA) plans, funds, and delivers services that help older adults and individuals with disabilities remain safe and independent in their homes. With the assistance of area providers, COAAA arranges and coordinates services to help individuals with daily living such as homemaking, transportation, home delivered meals, and personal care. COAAA offers education and resources to caregivers, professionals, and the public and advocates for programs and policies that benefit older adults and individuals with disabilities. COAAA manages services for approximately 14,000 people and funds services for more than 25,000 older adults in eight counties: Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Licking, Madison, Pickaway, and Union. COAAA is operated under the City of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department. For more information, visit www.coaaa.org.