NE Valley Times

The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Foundation for Community & Health Advancement has announced the opening of applications for its 2024 Thiru Family Trust Momentum Maker grant. This year's grant aims to address the epidemic of loneliness and social isolation.

The grant will provide $75,000 to a project focused on building social connections and community, ultimately aiming to improve health outcomes. Nonprofits and schools in Arizona are eligible to apply from July 1 to July 31, 2024.

In 2023, Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy declared a national epidemic of loneliness and social isolation, noting that it affects at least one in two adults in the United States and impacts their physical, mental, and social health.

“Loneliness is a widespread issue that impacts the health of individuals, families, and communities,” said Dr. Christine Bracamonte Wiggs, President and Board Chair of the Foundation. “We thank the Thiru Family Trust for their generous support to help strengthen social connections within our state.”

The grant initiative began in 2023 with a donation from the Thiru Family Trust aimed at inspiring new approaches to mental health and well-being. Each year, the grant targets a specific area of mental health-related need designed to uplift Arizona’s communities.

“Our family believes that mental health is a key component of overall well-being, and early intervention can reduce the severity of mental health issues,” said Thiru Thangarathinam, CEO of Salesforce Business Unit at Mastek. “By addressing loneliness and isolation, we can help tackle key mental health challenges. Communities with strong mental health support and social connections enjoy healthier lives both mentally and physically and are more united as a society.”

For more information or to apply for the Thiru Family Trust Momentum Maker grant, visit: https://www.azbluefoundation.org/grants/momentum-maker-grant.

ABOUT THE BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF ARIZONA FOUNDATION FOR COMMUNITY & HEALTH ADVANCEMENT

The Blue Cross® Blue Shield® of Arizona Foundation for Community & Health Advancement invests in the health of Arizona by tackling mental health issues, substance use disorders, chronic health conditions, and promoting health equity. As a 501(c)(3) private non-operating foundation working in service of public good through grant funding for programs aligned with its focus areas. The Foundation is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. For more information visit: azbluefoundation.org.

Media Contact:

Teresa Joseph

Senior Public Relations Specialist

Blue Cross® Blue Shield® of Arizona

C: 480-407-8639

teresa.joseph@azblue.com | azblue.com