Aetna Better Health of Illinois donates more than $72K to under-resourced communities

To help relieve the financial burden on Illinois families, Aetna Better Health of Illinois, a CVS Health company, has donated more than $72,000 to support back-to-school initiatives and 24,000-plus school supplies to community organizations throughout Illinois.

By collaborating with community partners, Aetna supplied thousands of children in need with backpacks, pencils, pens, folders, notebooks, crayons and color pencils. This funding will help alleviate some of the financial challenges students and their families face on a day-to-day basis. Almost 40% of shoppers report trimming their budgets in other areas to afford the higher costs for back-to-school supplies.

“We look forward each year to partnering with schools and community organizations across the state to help parents and students get ready for the new school year,” said Rushil Desai, CEO of Aetna Better Health of Illinois. 

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Desai added, “We provide school supplies and education on resources available to them in their communities to make their lives a bit easier this time of year. Aetna is committed to building healthier communities and we understand wellness extends beyond physical health. That’s why this school year we’ve joined forces with new partners to offer digital behavioral health platforms to provide students with not only school supplies, but online support to help them excel in and outside of the classroom.”

Aetna has hosted and participated in more than 35 back-to-school events across the state. Among the recipients of the donations and sponsorships include:

• Back 2 School Alliance
• Chicago Defender’s Bud Billiken Parade
• Chicago Public Schools
• In His Hands Resource Center
• TCA Health
• The Kindness Campaign
• Youth Hope

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In addition to these community donations and initiatives, Aetna Better Health of Illinois offers free school clothes to help members.