Community investments highlight Every Kid Healthy Week, April 22-26
OKLAHOMA CITY, April 26, 2024 — This week, April 22-26, is Every Kid Healthy Week and Aetna Better Health of Oklahoma, a CVS Health® company (NYSE: CVS), has announced Aetna has provided community investments totaling $42,500 to Oklahoma Cleats for Kids and the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City. The investments will provide safe sports equipment for youth across the state and support health and wellness initiatives for communities in central Oklahoma.
“Every Kid Healthy Week is a reminder of the importance of a holistic approach to health and wellness, recognizing that physical activity, nutrition, mental health and other factors all work together to shape our children’s lives,” said Sonja Hughes, MD, CEO of Aetna Better Health of Oklahoma. “We’re thrilled to announce our support for Oklahoma Cleats for Kids and the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City, two outstanding organizations that champion initiatives to help youth in Oklahoma build a foundation of strength and vitality. Together, we can continue to encourage people of all ages, but especially our youth, to live healthy, active lifestyles.”
The donation to Oklahoma Cleats for Kids will further the organization's mission of empowering kids to learn life lessons through sports by providing essential sports gear through the organization’s Equip Oklahoma initiative. Since 2011, Cleats for Kids has supplied 230,000 kids in Oklahoma with 280,000 items to help them play safely and confidently. This funding will assist the organization in providing these resources to even more kids in need.
“We’re so grateful for this generous contribution, which will significantly enhance our ability to supply Oklahoma’s youth with necessary sports gear, ultimately reducing barriers to participation,” said Stacy McDaniel, co-founder and executive director of Cleats for Kids. “Not only do sports promote physical activity, but they also bolster confidence and provide kids with a safe space for community and mentorship. Thanks to Aetna, we can expand our efforts to ensure no child is left on the sidelines due to lack of sports equipment.”
Aetna’s donation to the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City will advance the organization’s initiative to promote wellness and chronic disease prevention. The funding will help the organization continue to deliver tailored resources such as fitness classes, personalized training and nutritional classes for communities in central Oklahoma. Beyond providing immediate resources to achieve better health, the donation will also help the organization deepen its commitment to fostering a culture of prevention and encouraging the long-term well-being of community members.
“The donation from Aetna is pivotal in allowing us to grow our reach and impact in central Oklahoma, helping people from all demographics have access to essential health and wellness resources,” said Kelly Kay, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City. “Through our collaboration, we’re better equipped to serve our community with a wide range of initiatives focused on physical health, nutrition education and community outreach.”
# # #
About Aetna Medicaid
Aetna Medicaid Administrators LLC (Aetna Medicaid), a CVS Health company, has over 30 years of experience managing the care of under-resourced populations, using innovative approaches and a local presence in each market to achieve both successful health care results and effective cost outcomes. Aetna Medicaid has expertise serving high-need Medicaid members, including those who are dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare. Currently, Aetna Medicaid owns and/or administers Medicaid managed health care plans under the names of Aetna Better Health and other affiliate names. Together, these plans serve members in 16 states, including Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. For more information, see www.aetnabetterhealth.com.
About CVS Health
CVS Health® is the leading health solutions company, delivering care like no one else can. We reach more people and improve the health of communities across America through our local presence, digital channels and over 300,000 dedicated colleagues – including more than 40,000 physicians, pharmacists, nurses and nurse practitioners. Wherever and whenever people need us, we help them with their health – whether that’s managing chronic diseases, staying compliant with their medications or accessing affordable health and wellness services in the most convenient ways. We help people navigate the health care system – and their personal health care – by improving access, lowering costs and being a trusted partner for every meaningful moment of health. And we do it all with heart, each and every day. Follow @CVSHealth on social media.
Media contact
Robert Joyce
Robert.Joyce@CVSHealth.com
