Aetna Foundation Solicits Ohio Applicants For National Grants

NEW ALBANY, Ohio, February 15, 2012 — The Aetna Foundation, which has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to Ohio nonprofits for local projects in recent years, is now seeking Ohio applicants for its national grants.

“We’re looking for projects that have national impact and relevance,” said Gillian Barclay, the Aetna Foundation’s vice president, programs. “Ohio has a tremendous base of research institutions and nonprofits doing cutting-edge work.  We hope and expect to see some exceptional Ohio applications this year.”

National projects that are funded fall under the Foundation’s three program areas:  obesity; racial and ethnic health care equity; and integrated health care.  Typically the Foundation funds research grants that generate new knowledge and make use of either quantitative or qualitative techniques; project grants that investigate or disseminate new practices, or evaluate programs designed to improve health and health care; or policy grants that ensure programs and practices to improve health and health care can be replicated.

Aetna’s most recent regional grant in Ohio was a $15,000 grant made to the 7th Annual New Albany Walking Classic last fall.  The Walking Classic is the largest walking-only race in the U.S., drawing walkers of Olympic caliber as well as recreational walkers whose goal is to walk for health and enjoyment.

Aetna maintains three offices in Ohio --- one in Maumee, another in Richfield, and the third and largest in New Albany.  Aetna employs more than 2,000 people in Ohio.  Since 2003, Aetna employees have donated almost 125,000 hours of service to local nonprofits.  Last year alone, Aetna employees themselves donated $179,734 to nonprofits.

Recipients of some of Aetna and the Aetna Foundation’s most recent Ohio grants include:

• Nationwide Children’s Hospital Foundation;
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland;
• American Red Cross;
• New Albany Walking Club;
• The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society;
• The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio;
• Children’s Hunger Alliance;
• Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency; and
• Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Northern Ohio Chapter.

About the Aetna Foundation
The Aetna Foundation, Inc. is the independent charitable and philanthropic arm of Aetna Inc. Since 1980, Aetna and the Aetna Foundation have contributed $394 million in grants and sponsorships, including $15.6 million in 2010.  As a national health foundation, we promote wellness, health, and access to high-quality health care for everyone.  This work is enhanced by the time and commitment of Aetna employees, who have volunteered more than 2.3 million hours since 2003.  Aetna’s current giving is focused on addressing the rising rate of adult and childhood obesity in the U.S.; promoting racial and ethnic equity in health and health care; and advancing integrated health care.  For more information, visit www.AetnaFoundation.org.

About Aetna
Aetna (NYSE: AET) is one of the nation’s leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 36.4 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care.  Aetna offers a broad range of traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, group life and disability plans, and medical management capabilities and health care management services for Medicaid plans.  Our customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, health care providers, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups and expatriates.  For more information, see www.aetna.com.