CVS Health Foundation Invests $2.24M to Expand Columbus Community-Based Health Zone
CVS Health Foundation invested $2.24 million in Health Impact Ohio’s Health Zone in Columbus to expand community-based care. The initiative will add Community Health Workers to improve chronic and behavioral health support and cut avoidable emergency department visits on the city’s south and east sides.
1. Investment Details
The CVS Health Foundation committed $2.24 million to launch a Health Zone in Columbus, targeting residents on the city’s south and east sides. This funding supports Health Impact Ohio’s Pathways HUB model, which unites healthcare providers and community organizations in a coordinated care effort.
2. Health Zone Model
Health Zones deploy Community Health Workers (CHWs) to guide residents through a step-by-step process that connects them with primary care, healthy food, housing support, prenatal and behavioral health services. The model emphasizes early intervention to address social drivers of health and prevent crises.
3. Expected Outcomes
The investment aims to increase care coordination capacity, reduce avoidable emergency department visits and improve long-term management of chronic and behavioral health conditions. Expanded training, data systems and partner collaboration are designed to strengthen service delivery and sustainability.
4. Broader Ohio Commitment
CVS Health operates hundreds of locations in Ohio, employs over 11,000 colleagues and generated an estimated $39.5 billion in economic impact in 2024. The company has also invested nearly $80 million in affordable housing and workforce initiatives statewide, reflecting its integrated approach to community health.