(BLOOMINGTON) – Local organizations have shown tremendous strength, creativity, and endurance as they help their community during COVID-19, and IU Health wants to assist them in continuing their efforts.
“COVID-19 has highlighted major issues that impact our communities,” said IU Health South Central Region President Brian Shockney. “It’s our hope that these grants—made possible through theCommunity Impact Investment Fund (CIIF)—help relieve disparities in areas including mental health, unemployment, and childcare in our region.”
The $103,000 was distributed in Morgan, Monroe, Lawrence, and Orange counties:
- Morgan County’s Stability First program received $10,000.
- Bloomington Community Foundation in Monroe County received $73,000. An additional $2,000 was made available through IU Health Bloomington Hospital. This funding will support the establishment of The Learning Equity and Resource Needs for Children and Families (LEARN) Fund to help ensure Monroe County children and families have the resources needed for children to learn effectively despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Community Foundation Partnership in Lawrence County received $10,000. An additional $2,000 was made available through the foundation. This funding will support the Hoosier Hills Food Bank.
- Orange County Community Foundation in Orange County received $10,000. The funding was distributed to the Paoli Food Pantry, Springs Valley Food Pantry, Orleans Food Pantry, Mercy Center, Love Never Fails, Lost River Prescription Boxes, and Orange County Transit.
The IU Health Foundation administers the fund based on health disparities and issues found in these communities.
“The IU Health Foundation is always looking for ways to contribute to improving the health of our communities,” said IU Health Foundation South Central Region Director of Philanthropy Diane Buzzell. “These grants are just one step in our goal of making Indiana one of the healthiest states in the United States.”
These grants are just the first round of COVID-19 relief funding planned through IU Health to support local communities.
