The MolinaCares Accord and Molina Healthcare of Nebraska Provide $50,000 Grant to Community Center to Improve Health Outcomes for Mothers and Youth Living in Poverty

10/17/2024

LINCOLN, Neb., Oct. 17, 2024 - The MolinaCares Accord ("MolinaCares"), in collaboration with Molina Healthcare of Nebraska ("Molina"), presented a $50,000 check to the Clyde Malone Community Center ("Malone Center") in support of two programs focused on maternal and youth wellness. Half of the grant will help fund efforts to reduce Black infant and maternal mortality rates. The other half will provide resources for sports and wellness programs for BIPOC youth.

The maternal health program includes birthing classes, doula support, breastfeeding support and more. A CDC study shows a breastfeeding gap between white (63%) and Black (51%) mothers in the first six months of their child's life. The percentage of Black mothers breastfeeding drops to 31% at one year. However, of the more than 100 participants who have graduated from the Malone Center's breastfeeding support program, 92% breastfed for six months or more and 54% have breastfed for more than a year.

"Molina believes Nebraskans of all backgrounds deserve the opportunity to live healthy and productive lives, and we're proud to support programs that equip people with the tools they need to ensure their well-being make good life choices," said Frank Clepper, plan president of Molina Healthcare of Nebraska. "This MolinaCares grant funds evidence-based approaches to wellness that the Malone Center created to improve lives in the Lincoln community."

The center's youth sports and wellness programs provide free or reduced-cost activities including football, basketball, track and volleyball for children ages 5 to 17. There are plans to add golf, coding and STEM education. Through physical activity, participants improve coping skills and stress management, while also reducing the risk of chronic disease. These programs serve 350 youth annually, all living below the poverty line.

"The Malone Center is incredibly excited to partner with Molina Healthcare, a collaboration that will have a lasting impact on our community," said John Goodwin, CEO of the Malone Center. "We are thrilled to have Molina support our youth sports initiatives and maternal wellness program. Their commitment to improving the health and well-being of families aligns perfectly with our mission, and together, we are confident we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve."

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About The MolinaCares Accord
Established by Molina Healthcare, Inc., The MolinaCares Accord oversees a community investment platform created to improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged populations by funding meaningful, measurable, and innovative programs and solutions that improve health, life, and living in local communities. The MolinaCares Accord funds such measures through the Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) established in 2020 by Molina Healthcare, Inc.

About Molina Healthcare of Nebraska
Molina Healthcare of Nebraska, Inc., provides government-funded, quality health care, serving members through the Medicaid program in Nebraska. Molina Healthcare, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, provides managed health care services under the Medicaid and Medicare programs, and through state insurance marketplaces. For more information about Molina Healthcare, please visit MolinaHealthcare.com.

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