ECKERD CONNECTS PARTNERS WITH CVS HEALTH TO ADDRESS SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH IN COLUMBUS, OH

MEDIA CONTACT:
Heather Wade, Ohio Area Manager
P: 614-312-4935   |  E:  hwade@eckerd.org

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The partnership will focus on providing access to GED preparation and testing as well as workforce services
and is part of CVS Health’s new Health Zones initiative 

CLEARWATER, FLORIDA – Eckerd Connects has announced that it will partner with CVS Health on its new Health Zones initiative in Columbus, Ohio. Health Zones is a new initiative that addresses social determinants of health to build healthier communities across America. As part of this partnership, Eckerd Connects will provide exceptional workforce development services, training, and GED programming.  As part of the Health Zones initiative, Eckerd Connects is also working with CVS Health and Uber Health to provide transportation at no-cost to Columbus residents who need it most when seeking medical care, work, or attending an educational program.

“Through our new Health Zones initiative, we’re providing underserved communities with access to resources they need to live healthier lives, including housing, education, access to food, labor, transportation, and health care access”

Said Eileen Howard Boone, Senior Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility & Philanthropy and Chief Sustainability Officer, CVS Health. “Our partnerships with local organizations like Eckerd Connects play a critical role in creating a lasting impact on the people and the local communities who need these resources the most.”

Eckerd Connects joins other Health Zone partners in the Columbus region to create a best-in-class model that reduces health disparities, promotes and enhances equity, and ensures at-risk communities can thrive. “We’re so excited to be able to meet our participants where they’re at,” says Program Manager Katina Evans-Blakley. “We see firsthand the value of providing residents in this area with access to GED, workforce, and transportation services that will enable them to achieve the success they are striving for.”

To learn more about CVS Health’s new Health Zones initiative and Eckerd Connects’ involvement, please visit https://www.cvshealth.com/social-responsibility/health-zones/columbus.

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About Eckerd Connects
Eckerd Connects was founded in 1968 by Jack and Ruth Eckerd with the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed. The national nonprofit organization has connected about 316,000 people to the help they need through programs in Job Corps, workforce development, juvenile justice, and family & children services.  To learn more please visit www.eckerd.org.

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 approximately 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. Learn more at www.cvshealth.com.