Atlanta-based Thanks Mom & Dad Fund announced today that it has received a $60,000 grant from CVS Health, as part of the company’s commitment to building healthier communities. The support from CVS Health will help the state-wide nonprofit test innovative solutions to social isolation among older adults exacerbated by the COVID-19 Pandemic.   Thanks Mom & Dad Fund used the grant to support programs at the following Georgia organizations:

• Forsyth County Senior Services (Cumming)

• John W. Looper Jr. Speech and Hearing Clinic, Inc. (Dalton)

• Mercy Care Rome (Rome)

• National Church Residences Foundation (Atlanta)

• Peachtree Christian Health, Inc. (Duluth)

• SageNavigator, Inc. (Fairburn)

• SOWEGA Council on Aging (Albany)

• Troup Council on Aging (LaGrange)

• University of North Georgia Research Foundation (Dahlonega)

“Thanks Mom & Dad Fund is grateful for this important and timely grant from CVS Health,” said Maureen Kelly, president of Thanks Mom & Dad Fund.  “Social isolation has long been a concern of senior service providers even before the pandemic hit.  Isolation can cause severe negative health consequences for older adults ranging from increased risk of heart disease and stroke to depression, dementia, and even death.  Until the new COVID-19 vaccine is more widely distributed, older adults are encouraged to continue to shelter in place, and avoid group gatherings and congregate programs, so social isolation remains a challenge for organizations and individuals who serve this vulnerable population.  The grant will enable us to fund efforts to develop innovative programs to reach seniors and meet the unique needs brought on by the pandemic.”

“As a pharmacy innovation company, we are committed to helping people on their path to better health. We are proud to support organizations that increase access to quality health care because we know their efforts are critical to delivering better community health,” said Eileen Howard Boone, Senior Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility and Philanthropy, CVS Health. “We are pleased to support the work that the Thanks Mom & Dad Fund does in the community, and we look forward to working with them to fulfill their program’s mission.” 

“The generous grant from CVS Health will enable Thanks Mom & Dad Fund to assess the effectiveness of various programs in building social connections for seniors and reducing loneliness.  Best practices will be shared to educate service providers and the public about successful models that help older adults facing social isolation,” said Kelly.