CareSource Partners with AVLF, Donates $100,000

Staff Report

Monday, February 27th, 2023

 CareSource, a mission-driven Medicaid plan serving more than 500,000 Georgians, has invested $100,000 in the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation, the largest provider of pro bono legal services in Atlanta. 
 
Through this first-of-its-kind program, community legal health workers will connect CareSource members to legal support through home visits, mobile unit visits for members experiencing intimate partner abuse, and courthouse visits. The partnership will document and combine data and outcomes collected from AVLF attorneys, clinical teams and CareSource to address social determinants of health and provide a comprehensive plan for improving member health. AVLF serves more than 5,000 low-income Atlantans every year. 
 
“This unprecedented partnership between CareSource and AVLF is one-way CareSource works to address the whole health of Georgians and provide wrap-around services to our members,” said Jason Anavitarte, CareSource Georgia director of life services and health equity. “We often hear from members about poor living conditions that adversely affect their health. For example, a member may contact us about mold in their home that triggers asthma and a landlord who refuses to rectify the situation. Through this partnership with AVLF, we are now able to directly connect members to legal services to fight on their behalf for safe and healthy housing." 
 
CareSource’s investment will fund community legal health workers in Fulton County and help AVLF continue to advocate for safe and stable housing, including supporting AVLF’s Housing Court Assistance Center for Atlanta tenants whose landlords are taking them to court as well as AVLF’s eviction defense program that provides lawyers for individuals who are facing eviction.  
 
“This partnership is one of the most impactful ways to address social determinants of health that I’ve seen in our state. CareSource shares our commitment to improving outcomes for individuals and families in Georgia, and we are grateful for the generous donation that will fund this program as we work together for the good of Georgians,” said Michael Lucas, AVLF executive director.