Houston Methodist announced today that it has awarded nearly $6.8 million in community grants to 30 local nonprofit organizations through the Community Benefits Grant Program. In 2024, the agencies receiving grant support will help more than 78,000 individuals in underserved communities in the Greater Houston area gain access to health care services.

 

The Community Benefits Grant Program has provided health care services, mental health services and access to the uninsured and underinsured through financial support and in-kind lab support to free clinics, federally qualified health centers and other nonprofit agencies for more than 30 years. To date, the grant program has helped 82 unique Houston-area charities with nearly $175 million.

 

Two types of funding are available under the program — the Community Benefits Grant, which focuses on direct access to health care services and the Mental Health Innovation Grant, which supports initiatives aimed at reducing the barriers to accessing mental health care services.

 

“This program empowers us to continue our commitment to addressing crucial community issues, including reducing barriers to accessing primary care, specialty care and mental health care all while stressing the importance of preventative care,” said Cathy Easter, senior vice president of community development at Houston Methodist. “We are intentional about the partners we align with, and we are honored to collaborate with local organizations that have a like-minded focus of enhancing the health and well-being of Houstonians through affordable and accessible high-quality health care.”

 

Houston Methodist also provides grant support through its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Grant Program, established in 2020, which addresses the root causes of health inequities experienced by social, racial and ethnic minorities in the Houston area.