In an impactful move to address critical health and wellness issues in underserved areas, Sun Life U.S. has awarded $350,000 in Health Access Grants to six community health organizations across the country. These grants are designed to help tackle pressing health concerns, such as dental care shortages and diabetes management, in regions where access to care is often limited.
The 2024 Sun Life Health Access Grant program, which evolved from the company’s original Team Up Against Diabetes initiative, aims to improve access to a broader range of health services. The program, now in its eighth year, continues to expand its reach, supporting organizations that deliver essential health programs in underprivileged communities.
Tackling Health Care Gaps in Communities Nationwide
Dan Fishbein, M.D., president of Sun Life U.S., highlighted the company’s commitment to supporting communities that face significant health challenges. “Access to care continues to be a significant challenge for many in our country, and we are happy to support these local organizations that are making a difference in their communities,” said Fishbein. “We hope that our grants help launch and run programs that bring impactful health services to the people who need them most.”
From mobile dental clinics to nutrition education programs, each of the 2024 Health Access Grant recipients is working to improve the lives of those in their communities. This year’s grants are expected to provide services to thousands of individuals and families across the U.S., helping to bridge critical gaps in care.
2024 Sun Life Health Access Grant Recipients:
- Dental Connections – Smile Squad Mobile Dentistry Program (Des Moines, Iowa):
Dental Connections’ mobile program brings much-needed oral health care to more than 80 schools and community organizations. With the Health Access grant, they will expand the Smile Squad program to serve “dental deserts,” areas with limited access to dental services, ensuring that more children and families receive essential oral care. - LevelUp Kids Inc. – Free Dental Care for Homeless Teens (Kansas City, Mo.):
LevelUp Kids will use the grant to offer dental care services, including plaque removal, teeth polishing, and fillings, to homeless teens in the Kansas City area. The organization’s follow-up care ensures these at-risk youth maintain their oral health long after their initial treatment. - Limbs for Life Foundation (Oklahoma City):
This grant will fund care for 16 new diabetic patients who have suffered limb loss, providing prosthetics and education on wound care and nutrition. Limbs for Life aims to help patients regain their independence and return to daily activities like work and school. - Tulsa Cornerstone Assistance Network – Food as Medicine for Black & Native American Youth (Tulsa, Okla.):
Focused on preventing childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes, the Food as Medicine program empowers Black and Native American youth with gardening, nutrition, and healthy cooking education, along with fitness activities. The grant will support these children in developing lifelong healthy habits. - Volunteers in Medicine Clinic of the Cascades – Health Within Reach (Bend, Oreg.):
With a focus on low-income families, this program will combine diabetes education with oral health care, providing participants with resources like grocery store gift cards, dental care, and diabetes management tools to improve their overall well-being. - West Virginia Health Right – Expanding Access to Oral Health Care (Charleston, W. Va.):
Building on their previous success, West Virginia Health Right will continue to expand their mobile and on-site dental clinics in Southern West Virginia. Since 2017, they have treated over 13,000 low-income patients and aim to reach 6,000 people annually with critical dental services.
Sun Life’s Broader Commitment to Health Access
Since the Health Access Grant program began in 2016, Sun Life has donated over $2 million to health organizations nationwide, making a lasting impact in communities where health care services are scarce. Beyond the grants, Sun Life is involved in a wide range of initiatives that promote health and wellness, including partnerships with the Boston Celtics, Kansas City Royals, and American Diabetes Association’s Power Up program, focusing on fitness and diabetes prevention for youth.
Sun Life U.S. continues to be a major player in the health insurance and benefits space, serving approximately 50 million Americans and offering a wide portfolio of services, including dental, vision, and disability insurance, as well as healthcare navigation support.
For more information about Sun Life’s Health Access Grant program, visit www.sunlife.com/us/en/about/our-community-involvement/health-access-grant-program/.