The Indianapolis-based Anthem Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Anthem Inc., has announced the first round of grants from its three-year, $30 million effort to promote equity in mental health, particularly for people with substance use disorders. 

Fifteen organizations will receive a total of $13 million over the next three years. Each program will focus on prevention and early intervention of risk factors that lead to substance use disorders, improved access and quality of treatment to reduce morbidity and mortality of substance use disorders, or community support to promote lifelong recovery. With one in five Americans experiencing some type of mental health condition, the foundation has made substance use disorder a key focus area along with maternal health, food as medicine, and disaster relief. 

“Today, 9.5 million adults in the U.S. report having both a substance use disorder and a mental illness, and substance use disorders alone affect over 20 million Americans ages 12 and over. These startling figures drive home our commitment to partnering with organizations who are delivering solutions on a local and national level,” said Anthem chief health officer Shantanu Agrawal. “By acknowledging the physical, behavioral, and social drivers of health as they relate to substance use disorders, the Anthem Foundation—along with its recently awarded grantees—is positioned to provide meaningful solutions in achieving better health and advancing health equity.”

For a complete list of initial grants, see the Anthem Foundation website.

(Photo credit: Katarzyna Bialasiewicz)