Commitment
The Elevance Health Foundation has invested $33.7 million over the past three years to support programs that address mental health, with an emphasis on substance use disorder (SUD). To date, the Foundation’s SUD grantees have reached nearly 350,000 individuals with treatment-related programs.
Background
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a major public health challenge that is taking an enormous toll on our society.
In 2022, 48.7 million people ages 12 or older had a SUD in the past year (more than a 20% increase since 2020). Defined as a mental disorder, SUD affects a person’s brain and behavior, leading to the inability to control the use of substances such as legal or illegal drugs, alcohol, and medications. Researchers have found that about half the individuals who have a SUD will experience a co-occurring mental disorder, and vice versa. Although most people take prescription medications responsibly, an estimated one in seven of us will develop a substance use disorder at some point in our lives.
The consequences of substance abuse extend well beyond those that affect the users. Such abuse influences the lives of an additional 40 million people, including the families of abusers and those injured or killed by intoxicated drivers. The annual economic impact is estimated to be $249 billion for alcohol misuse and $193 billion for illicit drug use.
In the U.S. mental health concerns are still here and may be getting worse.
The number of Americans who had a substance-use disorder (SUD) in 2022.
The percentage of adolescents ages 12 to 17 who had a major depressive episode or an SUD in 2020.
The number of Americans who had either any mental illness or an SUD in 2020.
Approach
Under our current strategy to champion this holistic approach, the Elevance Health Foundation is focusing on programs that work to address an array of care and service options, including prevention and early intervention, crisis response and intervention, long-term intervention, and community resources and recovery supports.
In addition, our partners are addressing racial disparities and biases, promoting whole-person care, focusing on the needs of local communities, and driving specific, measurable outcomes.
To date, the Foundation’s SUD grantees have reached nearly 350,000 individuals and treatment-related programs. Of the grants that are reporting early clinical outcomes, 61% of program participants who need treatment are receiving it.
Featured Grants
Virginia Association of Free and Charitable Clinics
A $500,000 grant from the Elevance Health Foundation will help the Virginia Association of Free and Charitable Clinics expand substance use disorder recovery programs in the Commonwealth to six clinics over the next three years.
The clinics will replicate a proven model incorporating certified peer recovery specialists who connect patients to trusted treatment and recovery services and help people access holistic healthcare services.
LA Family Housing
LA Family Housing helps people transition out of homelessness and poverty by providing housing enriched with supportive services.
A $250,000 grant from the Elevance Health Foundation will support programs addressing substance use and mental health for individuals living in permanent LA Family Housing units. Staff are trained to prevent fatal overdoses; residents with alcohol or substance dependence are provided treatment and services, including peer groups and education.
Youth First, Inc.
In December 2021, the U.S. Surgeon General highlighted the urgent need to address the nation’s youth mental health crisis.
In response, a $300,000 grant from the Elevance Health Foundation to Youth First will support the placement and supervision of 78 social workers in schools across Indiana. These specialized mentors will provide on-site, free-of-charge behavioral health services and programs to help prevent substance abuse, improve family relationships, and develop life skills.
Shatterproof
The stigma and discrimination surrounding individuals who have substance use disorders are primary barriers to evidence-based SUD treatment and recovery.
Now a $5.4 million grant from the Elevance Health Foundation to Shatterproof will help improve SUD treatment by reducing beliefs held by healthcare professionals about the stigma of addiction, with an emphasis on socially vulnerable populations. This grant will also support nationwide access to evidence-based resources for prevention, treatment, and recovery.