CHARLESTON W.Va. (WVDN) – Following a highly successful pilot phase demonstrating significant positive health outcomes, the Highmark West Virginia Charitable Fund for Health today announced a $1 million commitment to expand its “Healthy Neighborhood” program. This transformational initiative, a collaborative effort with Vandalia Health Network, InComm Healthcare, directly addresses food insecurity across 45 counties in West Virginia.
The latest investment from Highmark West Virginia builds on “Healthy Neighborhood’s” successes in improving health outcomes among enrollees by providing them each a pre-funded InComm health benefits card that can be solely used to purchase healthy and nutritious food items at accessible grocery locations, including Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, Kroger, and Walmart stores.
“Vandalia Health Network is honored and proud to continue the partnership with Highmark West Virginia Charitable Fund for Health to bring healthier food options and education to improve chronic disease to our patients throughout the state,” said Michelle Coon, President, Vandalia Health Network.
Over the three-year pilot phase, more than 2,000 individuals facing food insecurity gained access to a consistent stream of healthy and nutritious food options. The most frequently purchased items, including eggs, milk, bread, water, and proteins, strongly suggest a direct and positive impact on meeting fundamental nutritional requirements. With the expansion of Healthy Neighborhood, the participating individuals will have greater support allowing focus on chronic diseases of diabetes or hypertension.
“As a not-for-profit health plan, Highmark West Virginia has a long and proud history of investing in health and wellness initiatives that address barriers to health, just like ‘Healthy Neighborhoods,” said Jay Sheehy, president-elect, Highmark West Virginia and West Virginia Charitable Fund for Health. “By directly tackling food insecurity and increasing access to nutritious options, we’re building a foundation for lasting well-being for West Virginians.”
The “Healthy Neighborhood” Program provides eligible patients with a monthly stipend for healthy food. Individuals receive $75, with an additional $25 for each family member, up to a maximum of $175 per household. InComm Healthcare, a division of InComm Payments and a global leader in innovative payments technology, was a founding partner of this initiative and remains crucial in providing the program’s restricted-use benefits cards.
“Health plans need precise tools to ensure funds go to the households that need them most,” said Joe Donato, SVP and GM of InComm Healthcare. “We deliver that needed precision with payments technology that ensures funds are spent on nutritious foods. More importantly, thanks to the partnerships of the retailers in our OTC Network, we make it easy for families to purchase foods at locations convenient to their neighborhoods.”
In the U.S., social factors, often referred to as Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) – including where people live, their social support, access to healthcare, education, healthy food, and financial stability – can impact up to 80% of an individual’s health.
“At Highmark, we understand that true health extends far beyond clinical care – it’s deeply rooted in the fundamental aspects of daily life. Healthy Neighborhood’s integrated approach connects people with vital resources, fostering improved health and empowering them to take control of their well-being,” said Nebeyou Abebe, Senior Vice President, Social Health at Highmark Health. “Beyond making tangible health differences in the lives of individuals and families in the most rural areas of the state, this program illuminates the power of innovative, multifaceted partnerships.”
This significant investment follows an initial $1.5 million grant from the WV Charitable Fund and a $500,000 grant from the Highmark Foundation in 2023, further underscoring Highmark’s unwavering commitment to addressing food insecurity and improving health outcomes in West Virginia.
