PreventEd Receives $250,000 Grant from The Cigna Group Foundation To Advance Health Equity and Access

St. Louis, MO – April 10, 2026 – PreventEd has been awarded a $250,000 grant through The Cigna Group Health Equity Impact Fund by The Cigna Group Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Cigna Group (NYSE: CI). This funding will strengthen community-based programs designed to reduce long-standing health disparities and expand access to essential resources for underserved populations.

“This grant enhances our ability to advance equitable health outcomes in the communities we serve,” said Jenny Armbruster, PreventEd Executive Director. “With this support, we will expand evidence-based peer support initiatives that increase access to substance use disorder treatment and mental health services. We are grateful for The Cigna Group Foundation’s collaboration in this work.”

Research shows that up to 80% of a person’s health outcomes are influenced by social drivers of health, including housing stability, education, economic opportunity, transportation, and food access. These factors disproportionately affect underserved communities, contributing to preventable gaps in health status, life expectancy, and chronic disease outcomes.

“Health equity can only be achieved when we address the root causes of disparities and work alongside trusted local organizations,” said Celeste Player, Pharm D, Board Member, The Cigna Group Foundation. “We are honored to support PreventEd as they work to remove systemic barriers and expand access to vital health resources. Together, we’re helping create more equitable outcomes for all.”

The Cigna Group Health Equity Impact Fund focuses on U.S. cities with pronounced health inequities, including St. Louis. Research shows that residents of St. Louis have disproportionately higher rates of death from substance use disorders and are more likely to visit the emergency room for a mental health challenge than other counties in Missouri[1],[2].

The Cigna Group Foundation has a long history of impactful partnerships with nonprofits, and announced a philanthropic and community engagement initiative that has committed more than $27 million in grants over three years to nonprofit organizations focused on improving youth and veteran mental health, and by reducing barriers to health equity. The Health Equity Impact Fund is part of these grants.

More information on The Cigna Group Health Equity Impact Fund can be found here.

About The Cigna Group

The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) is a global health company committed to creating a better future built on the vitality of every individual and every community. We relentlessly challenge ourselves to partner and innovate solutions for better health. The Cigna Group includes products and services marketed under Cigna Healthcare, Evernorth Health Services or its subsidiaries. The Cigna Group maintains sales capabilities in more than 30 countries and jurisdictions and has more than 180 million customer relationships around the world. Learn more at thecignagroup.com.

About The Cigna Group Foundation

The Cigna Group Foundation is a private foundation funded by contributions from The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) and its subsidiaries. The Cigna Group Foundation aims to support, collaborate, and convene with nonprofit organizations addressing society’s greatest health challenges. In addition to increasing access to programs and care in geographies demonstrating significant need, the Foundation responds with humanitarian aid relief during critical times and strengthens colleagues’ support of causes through matching donations and volunteer rewards. To learn more, visit www.thecignagroup.com/community.[1] Behavioral Health Disparities by Area, St. Louis Gov, https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/health/behavioral-health/data/disparities-by-area.cfmThis link will open in a new tab., accessed May 27, 2025​

[2] Mental Health Inequity in St. Louis, Chiron Community Giving Foundation, June 2023, https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/health/behavioral-health/data/disparities-by-area.cfm