The Highmark West Virginia Charitable Fund for Health has invested $1 million to expand its “Healthy Neighborhood” program. (Photo Provided)

CHARLESTON — Following a pilot phase it said demonstrated “significant positive health outcomes,” the Highmark West Virginia Charitable Fund for Health has announced a $1 million commitment to expand its Healthy Neighborhood program.

The collaborative effort with Vandalia Health Network, InComm Healthcare, directly addresses food insecurity across 45 counties in West Virginia, according to a press release announcing the commitment.

The investment builds on the Healthy Neighborhood program’s successes in improving health outcomes among enrollees by providing them each a pre-funded InComm health benefits card that can be solely used to purchase healthy and nutritious food items at accessible grocery locations, including Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, Kroger and Walmart, the release said.

“Vandalia Health Network is honored and proud to continue the partnership with Highmark West Virginia Charitable Fund for Health to bring healthier food options and education to improve chronic disease to our patients throughout the state,” said Michelle Coon, president of Vandalia Health Network.

Over the three-year pilot phase, more than 2,000 individuals facing food insecurity gained access to a consistent stream of healthy and nutritious food options, the release said. The most frequently purchased items – including eggs, milk, bread, water and proteins – strongly suggest a direct and positive impact on meeting fundamental nutritional requirements. With the expansion of Healthy Neighborhood, the participating individuals will have greater support allowing focus on chronic diseases of diabetes or hypertension.

“As a not-for-profit health plan, Highmark West Virginia has a long and proud history of investing in health and wellness initiatives that address barriers to health, just like Healthy Neighborhoods,” said Jay Sheehy, president-elect, Highmark West Virginia and West Virginia Charitable Fund for Health. “By directly tackling food insecurity and increasing access to nutritious options, we’re building a foundation for lasting well-being for West Virginians.”

The Healthy Neighborhood program provides eligible patients with a monthly stipend for healthy food. Individuals receive $75, with an additional $25 for each family member, up to a maximum of $175 per household. InComm Healthcare, a division of InComm Payments, was a founding partner of this initiative and remains crucial in providing the program’s restricted-use benefits cards, the release said.

In the U.S., social factors – often referred to as social determinants of health, including where people live, their social support, access to health care, education, healthy food and financial stability – can impact up to 80% of an individual’s health.

“At Highmark, we understand that true health extends far beyond clinical care – it’s deeply rooted in the fundamental aspects of daily life. Healthy Neighborhood’s integrated approach connects people with vital resources, fostering improved health and empowering them to take control of their well-being,” said Nebeyou Abebe, senior vice president, social health, at Highmark Health. “Beyond making tangible health differences in the lives of individuals and families in the most rural areas of the state, this program illuminates the power of innovative, multifaceted partnerships.”

The investment follows an initial $1.5 million grant from the West Virginia Charitable Fund and a $500,000 grant from the Highmark Foundation in 2023, the release said.