AdventHealth awards more than $1 million to local nonprofits to address food insecurity, mental health

AdventHealth has awarded more than $1.2 million to area nonprofits that provide important services to the underserved and address health disparities in Central Florida.

'We are committed to addressing the needs of the whole person ' mind, body and spirit ' and by partnering with local organizations and supporting innovative projects, we are improving the health and well-being of our neighbors,' said Daryl Tol, president and CEO of AdventHealth and Central Florida Division ' AdventHealth. 'From addressing mental health needs to fighting food insecurity, these programs will help the most vulnerable members of our communities get the help they need.'

AdventHealth's Community Health Impact Council, commonly known as CHIC, announced this year's recipient projects:

Intensive Psychosocial Rehabilitation Initiative
Aspire Health Partners aims to help those diagnosed with severe and persistent mental health disorders regain the ability to live independently through an intensive rehabilitation program. The initiative will target adults with a readmission history to AdventHealth's emergency departments and Aspire's crisis units. ($645,000)

The Central Florida Healthy Pantry
Second Harvest Food Bank aims to improve the health of low-income AdventHealth patients who have been diagnosed with diabetes or high blood pressure by making it easier for them to access nutritious food from pantries throughout Central Florida. ($480,000)

Food Voucher Program
The CHIC grant extends funding to this United Against Poverty program, which aims to provide subsidized access to healthy and nutritious food to low-income Central Floridians diagnosed with malnutrition. ($75,000)'Our partnership with AdventHealth will deeply impact the health and well-being of our most vulnerable, low-income neighbors,' said Dave Krepcho, president and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. 'Through an innovative approach, we will provide healthy meals and nutritional education for those who struggle to afford the right kinds of food.'