Mes: febrero 2021

WELLESLEY, Mass. and WATERTOWN, Mass., Feb. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — In their first joint community investment, the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation and Tufts Health Plan Foundation are giving $1 million to 42 organizations across the region to expand vaccine education, awareness and outreach in communities of color. Thirteen Massachusetts organizations will receive a total of $350,000 in funding. Just one month after Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan announced their combined organization, this investment is an immediate response to emerging needs in Black and Brown communities across the region disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

 «We are at an inflection point in the pandemic,» said Thomas Croswell, chief executive officer of the combined organization of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan, and a member of the Tufts Health Plan Foundation board.  «As vaccine production and distribution are ramping up, important education efforts are taking place to address community concerns and we need to support them.»

Grant recommendations were informed by community organizations, public health leaders and other key stakeholders engaged in the vaccine rollout in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.

«With the pandemic continuing to have a devastating impact on Black and Brown communities, this funding will give a boost to organizations across the region working tirelessly to support the needs of their community members and create awareness around the importance of the vaccine,» said Michael Carson, president of the combined organization of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan, and chairman of the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation board.

Grants will support a range of organizations—from statewide organizations to local community nonprofits. They include faith-based organizations, trusted Black/Latinx-led community nonprofits, and organizations with experience coordinating multilingual efforts.

One of the organizations receiving a grant is the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers, based in Boston.

«We are incredibly appreciative of this funding which will help us build our workforce capacity to engage patients in conversations about their COVID-19 vaccine questions and concerns,» said Michael Curry, president & CEO of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers. «Addressing hesitancy in Black and Brown communities, which is grounded in centuries of mistreatment by the medical system, requires that staff at every level of our organizations provide the information and tools patients need to make their own decisions about this life-saving measure.» 

The full list of nonprofit organizations receiving grants is:

Connecticut Total Grants: $225,000

• Greater Bridgeport Area Prevention Partnership (Bridgeport), $20,000
• Hartford Health Department (Hartford), $30,000
• Health Equity Solutions (Hartford), $50,000
• Human Resources Agency (New Britain, Bristol, Burlington, Farmington, Plainville, Plymouth), $20,000
• Ministerial Health Fellowship (Hartford, Middletown, New Britain, Meriden), $20,000
• Project Access of New Haven (New Haven), $20,000
• Stamford Health Dept/The Family Centers (Stamford), $15,000
• URU, The Right to Be (New Haven), $50,000

Maine Total Grants: $125,000

• Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition (Portland), $20,000
• Portland Minority Health Department (Portland), $40,000
• Presente! Maine (Portland), $25,000
• Somali Bantu Community Association (Lewiston), $20,000
• Wabanaki Public Health (Millinocket), $20,000

Massachusetts Total Grants: $350,000

• African Community Education Program (Worcester), $20,000
• Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association (Lowell), $25,000
• Greater Boston Latino Network (Boston), $25,000
• Greater Lawrence Community Action Council (Lawrence), $25,000
• La Colaborativa (Chelsea), $25,000
• Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (Boston), $45,000
• Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers (Boston) $50,000
• New North Citizens Council (Springfield), $20,000
• One Holyoke Community Development Corporation (Holyoke), $20,000
• Pinnacle Partnerships (Brockton), $20,000
• Public Health Institute of Western Mass. (Springfield), $30,000
• Resilient Sisterhood Project (Boston), $20,000
• Worcester Interfaith (Worcester), $25,000

New Hampshire Total Grants: $125,000

• Amoskeag Health (Manchester), $40,000
• Granite State Organizing Project (Manchester), $10,000
• Granite State United Way (Manchester), $10,000
• Lamprey Health Care (Nashua), $20,000
• Manchester NAACP (Manchester), $10,000
• Nashua Division of Public Health and Community Services (Nashua), $20,000
• New Hampshire Alliance of Immigrants and Refugees (Manchester, Concord), $15,000

Rhode Island Total Grants: $175,000 

• Children’s Friend (Providence), $15,000
• Comprehensive Community Action Program (Cranston), $20,000
• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center (Newport), $10,000
• Local Initiatives Support Corporation RI (Providence), $20,000
• ONE Neighborhood Builders (Providence), $20,000
• Progreso Latino (Central Falls), $15,000
• Thundermist Health Center (Woonsocket), $20,000
• United Way of Rhode Island (Providence), $35,000
• West Elmwood Housing Development Corp. (Providence), $20,000

About the combined organization of Tufts Health Plan and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
The combination of Tufts Health Plan and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care represents the coming together of two of New England’s most iconic nonprofit health care companies. Representing nearly 90 years of combined service to our members and the community, together we are building upon our diverse legacies and innovative collaboration by making it our purpose to guide and empower healthier lives for our members – no matter their age, health, race, identity, or income.

We strive to be a different kind of nonprofit health and wellbeing company, with a broad range of health plans, and innovative tools that make navigating health and wellbeing easier, guiding our members at every step of their health care journey to better health outcomes. We are committed to providing high-quality and affordable health care, improving the health and wellness of our members, and creating healthier communities throughout New England.

About Tufts Health Plan Foundation
Established in 2008, Tufts Health Plan Foundation supports the health and wellness of the diverse communities we serve. The Foundation has given more than $45 million to Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island nonprofits that promote healthy aging. Tufts Health Plan Foundation funds programs that move communities toward implementing age-friendly policies and practices that are relevant, focus on older adults, and include them in community solutions. Visit tuftshealthplanfoundation.org for grant program information.

About the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation
Created in 1980, the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation supports Harvard Pilgrim’s mission to improve the quality and value of health care for the people and communities we serve. The Harvard Pilgrim Foundation provides the tools, training and leadership to help build healthy communities throughout Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. In 2020, the Harvard Pilgrim Foundation awarded more than $10.4 million in grants to nonprofit organizations in the region.  Since its inception in 1980, the Foundation has awarded $165 million in funds and resources throughout the four states.  For more information, please visit www.harvardpilgrim.org/foundation.

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/harvard-pilgrim-health-care-and-tufts-health-plan-foundations-providing-1-million-to-expand-covid-19-vaccine-education-in-communities-of-color-301222567.html

SOURCE The Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation

WELLESLEY, Mass. and WATERTOWN, Mass., Feb. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — In their first joint community investment, the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation and Tufts Health Plan Foundation are giving $1 million to 42 organizations across the region to expand vaccine education, awareness and outreach in communities of color. Seven New Hampshire organizations will receive a total of $125,000 in funding.  Just one month after Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan announced their combined organization, this investment is an immediate response to emerging needs in Black and Brown communities across the region disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

 «We are at an inflection point in the pandemic,» said Thomas Croswell, chief executive officer of the combined organization of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan, and a member of the Tufts Health Plan Foundation board.  «As vaccine production and distribution are ramping up, important education efforts are taking place to address community concerns and we need to support them.»

Grant recommendations were informed by community organizations, public health leaders and other key stakeholders engaged in the vaccine rollout in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.

«With the pandemic continuing to have a devastating impact on Black and Brown communities, this funding will give a boost to organizations across the region working tirelessly to support the needs of their community members and create awareness around the importance of the vaccine,» said Michael Carson, president of the combined organization of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan, and chairman of the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation board.

Grants will support a range of organizations—from statewide organizations to local community nonprofits. They include faith-based organizations, trusted Black/Latinx-led community nonprofits, and organizations with experience coordinating multilingual efforts.

Two of the organizations receiving a grant in New Hampshire are the Nashua Division of Public Health and Community Services, and the New Hampshire Alliance for Immigrants and Refugees serving Manchester and Concord.

«We are so honored and pleased to be awarded this funding from Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation and Tufts Health Plan Foundation,» said Bobbie Bagley, director of the Nashua Division of Public Health and Community Services. «The City of Nashua has been responsive to the needs in our community to stop the spread of COVID-19 and to bring an end to the devastating impact this disease has had in our community particularly in our communities of color. We know the importance of having a vaccine to help us end this pandemic and will meet our communities of color where they are to address vaccine hesitancy through outreach, education and vaccination campaigns. To create greater access to vaccinations we will be holding community clinics in areas of the city reducing as many barriers as we can. We are looking to make a difference by spreading the word of the benefits of the vaccination to protect our families and loved ones.»

Added Eva Castillo, director of the New Hampshire Alliance for Immigrants and Refugees, «This funding will allow us to conduct extensive outreach and education about the importance of getting the COVID vaccine to the immigrant communities in New Hampshire.  We are very grateful to Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan Foundations for giving us the resources to disseminate this life-saving information to our constituents.»

The full list of nonprofit organizations receiving grants is:

Connecticut Total Grants: $225,000

• Greater Bridgeport Area Prevention Partnership (Bridgeport), $20,000
• Hartford Health Department (Hartford), $30,000
• Health Equity Solutions (Hartford), $50,000
• Human Resources Agency (New Britain, Bristol, Burlington, Farmington, Plainville, Plymouth), $20,000
• Ministerial Health Fellowship (Hartford, Middletown, New Britain, Meriden), $20,000
• Project Access of New Haven (New Haven), $20,000
• Stamford Health Dept/The Family Centers (Stamford), $15,000
• URU, The Right to Be (New Haven), $50,000

Maine Total Grants: $125,000

• Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition (Portland), $20,000
• Portland Minority Health Department (Portland), $40,000
• Presente! Maine (Portland), $25,000
• Somali Bantu Community Association (Lewiston), $20,000
• Wabanaki Public Health (Millinocket), $20,000

Massachusetts Total Grants: $350,000

• African Community Education Program (Worcester), $20,000
• Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association (Lowell), $25,000
• Greater Boston Latino Network (Boston), $25,000
• Greater Lawrence Community Action Council (Lawrence), $25,000
• La Colaborativa (Chelsea), $25,000
• Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (Boston), $45,000
• Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers (Boston) $50,000
• New North Citizens Council (Springfield), $20,000
• One Holyoke Community Development Corporation (Holyoke), $20,000
• Pinnacle Partnerships (Brockton), $20,000
• Public Health Institute of Western Mass. (Springfield), $30,000
• Resilient Sisterhood Project (Boston), $20,000
• Worcester Interfaith (Worcester), $25,000

New Hampshire Total Grants: $125,000

• Amoskeag Health (Manchester), $40,000
• Granite State Organizing Project (Manchester), $10,000
• Granite State United Way (Manchester), $10,000
• Lamprey Health Care (Nashua), $20,000
• Manchester NAACP (Manchester), $10,000
• Nashua Division of Public Health and Community Services (Nashua), $20,000
• New Hampshire Alliance of Immigrants and Refugees (Manchester, Concord), $15,000

Rhode Island Total Grants: $175,000

• Children’s Friend (Providence), $15,000
• Comprehensive Community Action Program (Cranston), $20,000
• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center (Newport), $10,000
• Local Initiatives Support Corporation RI (Providence), $20,000
• ONE Neighborhood Builders (Providence), $20,000
• Progreso Latino (Central Falls), $15,000
• Thundermist Health Center (Woonsocket), $20,000
• United Way of Rhode Island (Providence), $35,000
• West Elmwood Housing Development Corp. (Providence), $20,000

About the combined organization of Tufts Health Plan and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
The combination of Tufts Health Plan and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care represents the coming together of two of New England’s most iconic nonprofit health care companies. Representing nearly 90 years of combined service to our members and the community, together we are building upon our diverse legacies and innovative collaboration by making it our purpose to guide and empower healthier lives for our members – no matter their age, health, race, identity, or income.

We strive to be a different kind of nonprofit health and wellbeing company, with a broad range of health plans, and innovative tools that make navigating health and wellbeing easier, guiding our members at every step of their health care journey to better health outcomes. We are committed to providing high-quality and affordable health care, improving the health and wellness of our members, and creating healthier communities throughout New England.

About Tufts Health Plan Foundation
Established in 2008, Tufts Health Plan Foundation supports the health and wellness of the diverse communities we serve. The Foundation has given more than $45 million to Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island nonprofits that promote healthy aging. Tufts Health Plan Foundation funds programs that move communities toward implementing age-friendly policies and practices that are relevant, focus on older adults, and include them in community solutions. Visit tuftshealthplanfoundation.org for grant program information.

About the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation
Created in 1980, the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation supports Harvard Pilgrim’s mission to improve the quality and value of health care for the people and communities we serve. The Harvard Pilgrim Foundation provides the tools, training and leadership to help build healthy communities throughout Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. In 2020, the Harvard Pilgrim Foundation awarded more than $10.4 million in grants to nonprofit organizations in the region.  Since its inception in 1980, the Foundation has awarded $165 million in funds and resources throughout the four states.  For more information, please visit www.harvardpilgrim.org/foundation.

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/harvard-pilgrim-health-care-and-tufts-health-plan-foundations-providing-1-million-to-expand-covid-19-vaccine-education-in-communities-of-color-301222566.html

SOURCE The Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation

WELLESLEY, Mass. and WATERTOWN, Mass., Feb. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — In their first joint community investment, the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation and Tufts Health Plan Foundation are giving $1 million to 42 organizations across the region to expand vaccine education, awareness and outreach in communities of color. Five Maine organizations will receive a total of $125,000 in funding. Just one month after Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan announced their combined organization, this investment is an immediate response to emerging needs in Black and Brown communities across the region disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

 «We are at an inflection point in the pandemic,» said Thomas Croswell, chief executive officer of the combined organization of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan, and a member of the Tufts Health Plan Foundation board.  «As vaccine production and distribution are ramping up, important education efforts are taking place to address community concerns and we need to support them.»

Grant recommendations were informed by community organizations, public health leaders and other key stakeholders engaged in the vaccine rollout in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.

«With the pandemic continuing to have a devastating impact on Black and Brown communities, this funding will give a boost to organizations across the region working tirelessly to support the needs of their community members and create awareness around the importance of the vaccine,» said Michael Carson, president of the combined organization of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan, and chairman of the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation board.

Grants will support a range of organizations—from statewide organizations to local community nonprofits. They include faith-based organizations, trusted Black/Latinx-led community nonprofits, and organizations with experience coordinating multilingual efforts.

One of the organizations receiving a grant is Somali Bantu Community Association of Lewiston, Maine.

«Our Somali Bantu Community are individuals who come from the rural part of Southern Somalia. Many don’t read or write in their language and have difficulty understanding COVID protocols,» said Muhidin Libah, executive director of the Somali Bantu Community Association.  «Now that we have the vaccine, there is a lot of misinformation circulating in our community. With these grant funds, we will work with community health workers to help our Somali community understand what they can do to protect themselves from the virus and the importance of getting the vaccine.  We are very thankful for this support from Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation and Tufts Health Plan Foundation.»

The full list of nonprofit organizations receiving grants is:

Connecticut Total Grants: $225,000

• Greater Bridgeport Area Prevention Partnership (Bridgeport), $20,000
• Hartford Health Department (Hartford), $30,000
• Health Equity Solutions (Hartford), $50,000
• Human Resources Agency (New Britain, Bristol, Burlington, Farmington, Plainville, Plymouth), $20,000
• Ministerial Health Fellowship (Hartford, Middletown, New Britain, Meriden), $20,000
• Project Access of New Haven (New Haven), $20,000
• Stamford Health Dept/The Family Centers (Stamford), $15,000
• URU, The Right to Be (New Haven), $50,000

Maine Total Grants: $125,000

• Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition (Portland), $20,000
• Portland Minority Health Department (Portland), $40,000
• Presente! Maine (Portland), $25,000
• Somali Bantu Community Association (Lewiston), $20,000
• Wabanaki Public Health (Millinocket), $20,000

Massachusetts Total Grants: $350,000

• African Community Education Program (Worcester), $20,000
• Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association (Lowell), $25,000
• Greater Boston Latino Network (Boston), $25,000
• Greater Lawrence Community Action Council (Lawrence), $25,000
• La Colaborativa (Chelsea), $25,000
• Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (Boston), $45,000
• Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers (Boston) $50,000
• New North Citizens Council (Springfield), $20,000
• One Holyoke Community Development Corporation (Holyoke), $20,000
• Pinnacle Partnerships (Brockton), $20,000
• Public Health Institute of Western Mass. (Springfield), $30,000
• Resilient Sisterhood Project (Boston), $20,000
• Worcester Interfaith (Worcester), $25,000

New Hampshire Total Grants: $125,000

• Amoskeag Health (Manchester), $40,000
• Granite State Organizing Project (Manchester), $10,000
• Granite State United Way (Manchester), $10,000
• Lamprey Health Care (Nashua), $20,000
• Manchester NAACP (Manchester), $10,000
• Nashua Division of Public Health and Community Services (Nashua), $20,000
• New Hampshire Alliance of Immigrants and Refugees (Manchester, Concord), $15,000

Rhode Island Total Grants: $175,000

• Children’s Friend (Providence), $15,000
• Comprehensive Community Action Program (Cranston), $20,000
• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center (Newport), $10,000
• Local Initiatives Support Corporation RI (Providence), $20,000
• ONE Neighborhood Builders (Providence), $20,000
• Progreso Latino (Central Falls), $15,000
• Thundermist Health Center (Woonsocket), $20,000
• United Way of Rhode Island (Providence), $35,000
• West Elmwood Housing Development Corp. (Providence), $20,000

About the combined organization of Tufts Health Plan and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
The combination of Tufts Health Plan and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care represents the coming together of two of New England’s most iconic nonprofit health care companies. Representing nearly 90 years of combined service to our members and the community, together we are building upon our diverse legacies and innovative collaboration by making it our purpose to guide and empower healthier lives for our members – no matter their age, health, race, identity, or income.

We strive to be a different kind of nonprofit health and wellbeing company, with a broad range of health plans, and innovative tools that make navigating health and wellbeing easier, guiding our members at every step of their health care journey to better health outcomes. We are committed to providing high-quality and affordable health care, improving the health and wellness of our members, and creating healthier communities throughout New England.

About Tufts Health Plan Foundation
Established in 2008, Tufts Health Plan Foundation supports the health and wellness of the diverse communities we serve. The Foundation has given more than $45 million to Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island nonprofits that promote healthy aging. Tufts Health Plan Foundation funds programs that move communities toward implementing age-friendly policies and practices that are relevant, focus on older adults, and include them in community solutions. Visit tuftshealthplanfoundation.org for grant program information.

About the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation
Created in 1980, the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation supports Harvard Pilgrim’s mission to improve the quality and value of health care for the people and communities we serve. The Harvard Pilgrim Foundation provides the tools, training and leadership to help build healthy communities throughout Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. In 2020, the Harvard Pilgrim Foundation awarded more than $10.4 million in grants to nonprofit organizations in the region.  Since its inception in 1980, the Foundation has awarded $165 million in funds and resources throughout the four states.  For more information, please visit www.harvardpilgrim.org/foundation.

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/harvard-pilgrim-health-care-and-tufts-health-plan-foundations-providing-1-million-to-expand-covid-19-vaccine-education-in-communities-of-color-301222560.html

SOURCE The Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Feb. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Stress and spending have always been linked, and the coronavirus pandemic has made financial vices more alluring for many Americans. According to the latest MagnifyMoney survey, 70% of consumers have spent money during the pandemic on financial vices, ranging from alcohol and cigarettes to adult entertainment and lottery tickets — spending nearly $950 on average. Plus, nearly 4 in 10 Americans used money from their savings account to cover these vices in 2020.

To find out how the pandemic impacted this kind of spending, MagnifyMoney surveyed 1,550 Americans on what vices people were spending on — and what money they used to do so.

Key Findings:

• 70% of consumers have spent money on at least one financial vice during the pandemic — especially alcohol, cigarettes, and lottery tickets.
• Men and those laid off or furloughed amid the pandemic are spending more on adult entertainment. 26% of men and 28% of those who were laid off or furloughed said they’re spending more on adult entertainment, such as OnlyFans, than they were before the pandemic.
• Americans spent $946 — on average — on vices in 2020. 45% of consumers feel guilty about spending that money, and those who were laid off or furloughed feel significantly more guilty than those who didn’t lose income.
• 46% of those who spent money on a vice in 2020 said they sometimes opted to spend money on the vice rather than put the money in savings. Separately, 38% went a step further and pulled money from their savings account to cover a vice.
• Some consumers who struggled the most during the pandemic have taken on debt for their vice, including 33% who were laid off or furloughed, 26% of millennials and 21% of Gen Zers. Across all respondents, 17% went into debt for a vice within the past year.
• About a third of those who spent money on vices in 2020 said that spending translated to an argument with a loved one. For example, 26% of millennials and 24% of men argued with a romantic partner or spouse, while 24% of Gen Zers argued with a friend.

«People have just been bombarded by stress continuously for the past year, and many people lean on their vices to help them through really difficult times,» said Matt Schulz, LendingTree’s chief credit analyst. «It’s troubling because these vices can often do far more damage than good, but I also totally understand why people fall back on them.»

«By going into debt over your vices, you’re simply creating multiple problems for yourself while trying to solve another one,» Schulz said. «Instead of leaning on one of those unhealthy, costly vices, consider alternatives like exercise, meditation, reading, writing or other things that you might be passionate about that can consume your time and relieve stress. Ultimately, your body, your wallet and your family will be glad you did.»

To view the full report, visit: https://www.magnifymoney.com/blog/banking/financial-vices-pandemic-survey/.

Methodology

MagnifyMoney commissioned Qualtrics to field an online survey of 1,550 Americans, conducted Jan. 8-11, 2021. The survey was administered using a non-probability-based sample, and quotas were used to ensure the sample base represented the overall population. All responses were reviewed by researchers for quality control.

We defined generations as the following ages in 2021:

• Generation Z: 18 to 24
• Millennial: 25 to 40
• Generation X: 41 to 55
• Baby boomer: 56 to 75

While the survey also included consumers from the silent generation (defined as those 76 and older), the sample size was too small to include findings related to that group in the generational breakdowns.

About MagnifyMoney

MagnifyMoney.com, a subsidiary of LendingTree, makes it easy for consumers to shop for the best financial products and get answers to their most important financial questions. MagnifyMoney’s unbiased advice and comprehensive product database helps millions of people compare credit cards, loans, checking accounts and savings accounts. MagnifyMoney’s newsroom of personal finance experts is dedicated to helping people save money and lead financially healthier lives through strategies and tips for avoiding fees, getting out of debt, paying off student loans, avoiding consumer scams and other financial topics. MagnifyMoney was launched in 2014, was acquired by LendingTree in 2017, and is based in New York, NY. For more information, please visit www.magnifymoney.com.

Media Contact:
Nancy Jones
nancy@lendingtreenews.com

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/38-of-consumers-use-savings-to-cover-vices-as-pandemic-leads-to-increased-spending-301222553.html

SOURCE MagnifyMoney.com

WELLESLEY, Mass. and WATERTOWN, Mass., Feb. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — In their first joint community investment, the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation and Tufts Health Plan Foundation are giving $1 million to 42 organizations across the region to expand vaccine education, awareness and outreach in communities of color. Eight Connecticut organizations will receive a total of $225,000 in funding. Just one month after Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan announced their combined organization, this investment is an immediate response to emerging needs in Black and Brown communities across the region disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

«We are at an inflection point in the pandemic,» said Thomas Croswell, chief executive officer of the combined organization of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan, and a member of the Tufts Health Plan Foundation board.  «As vaccine production and distribution are ramping up, important education efforts are taking place to address community concerns and we need to support them.»

Grant recommendations were informed by community organizations, public health leaders and other key stakeholders engaged in the vaccine rollout in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.

«With the pandemic continuing to have a devastating impact on Black and Brown communities, this funding will give a boost to organizations across the region working tirelessly to support the needs of their community members and create awareness around the importance of the vaccine,» said Michael Carson, president of the combined organization of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan, and chairman of the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation board.

Grants will support a range of organizations—from statewide organizations to local community nonprofits. They include faith-based organizations, trusted Black/Latinx-led community nonprofits, and organizations with experience coordinating multilingual efforts.

One of the organizations receiving a grant is the Hartford Health Department, serving the city of Hartford, Connecticut.

«Funding from the Harvard Pilgrim and Tufts Health Plan Foundations will support the development and dissemination of key messages to our Hartford residents about the efficacy, safety and importance of the COVID-19 vaccine,» said Liany E. Arroyo, MPH, CPH, director of the Department of Health and Human Services for the City of Hartford.  «Working with our trusted partners at Trinity Health – Saint Francis and community partners like Malta House, now is the time to continue to connect with our communities of color and immigrant and undocumented populations around vaccine safety and ways they can access the COVID vaccine and keep themselves and their families healthy.»

The full list of nonprofit organizations receiving grants is:

Connecticut Total Grants: $225,000

• Greater Bridgeport Area Prevention Partnership (Bridgeport), $20,000
• Hartford Health Department (Hartford), $30,000
• Health Equity Solutions (Hartford), $50,000
• Human Resources Agency (New Britain, Bristol, Burlington, Farmington, Plainville, Plymouth), $20,000
• Ministerial Health Fellowship (Hartford, Middletown, New Britain, Meriden), $20,000
• Project Access of New Haven (New Haven), $20,000
• Stamford Health Dept/The Family Centers (Stamford), $15,000
• URU, The Right to Be (New Haven), $50,000

Maine Total Grants: $125,000

• Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition (Portland), $20,000
• Portland Minority Health Department (Portland), $40,000
• Presente! Maine (Portland), $25,000
• Somali Bantu Community Association (Lewiston), $20,000
• Wabanaki Public Health (Millinocket), $20,000

Massachusetts Total Grants: $350,000

• African Community Education Program (Worcester), $20,000
• Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association (Lowell), $25,000
• Greater Boston Latino Network (Boston), $25,000
• Greater Lawrence Community Action Council (Lawrence), $25,000
• La Colaborativa (Chelsea), $25,000
• Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (Boston), $45,000
• Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers (Boston) $50,000
• New North Citizens Council (Springfield), $20,000
• One Holyoke Community Development Corporation (Holyoke), $20,000
• Pinnacle Partnerships (Brockton), $20,000
• Public Health Institute of Western Mass. (Springfield), $30,000
• Resilient Sisterhood Project (Boston), $20,000
• Worcester Interfaith (Worcester), $25,000

New Hampshire Total Grants: $125,000

• Amoskeag Health (Manchester), $40,000
• Granite State Organizing Project (Manchester), $10,000
• Granite State United Way (Manchester), $10,000
• Lamprey Health Care (Nashua), $20,000
• Manchester NAACP (Manchester), $10,000
• Nashua Division of Public Health and Community Services (Nashua), $20,000
• New Hampshire Alliance of Immigrants and Refugees (Manchester, Concord), $15,000

Rhode Island Total Grants: $175,000

• Children’s Friend (Providence), $15,000
• Comprehensive Community Action Program (Cranston), $20,000
• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center (Newport), $10,000
• Local Initiatives Support Corporation RI (Providence), $20,000
• ONE Neighborhood Builders (Providence), $20,000
• Progreso Latino (Central Falls), $15,000
• Thundermist Health Center (Woonsocket), $20,000
• United Way of Rhode Island (Providence), $35,000
• West Elmwood Housing Development Corp. (Providence), $20,000

About the combined organization of Tufts Health Plan and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
The combination of Tufts Health Plan and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care represents the coming together of two of New England’s most iconic nonprofit health care companies. Representing nearly 90 years of combined service to our members and the community, together we are building upon our diverse legacies and innovative collaboration by making it our purpose to guide and empower healthier lives for our members – no matter their age, health, race, identity, or income.

We strive to be a different kind of nonprofit health and wellbeing company, with a broad range of health plans, and innovative tools that make navigating health and wellbeing easier, guiding our members at every step of their health care journey to better health outcomes. We are committed to providing high-quality and affordable health care, improving the health and wellness of our members, and creating healthier communities throughout New England.

About Tufts Health Plan Foundation
Established in 2008, Tufts Health Plan Foundation supports the health and wellness of the diverse communities we serve. The Foundation has given more than $45 million to Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island nonprofits that promote healthy aging. Tufts Health Plan Foundation funds programs that move communities toward implementing age-friendly policies and practices that are relevant, focus on older adults, and include them in community solutions. Visit tuftshealthplanfoundation.org for grant program information.

About the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation
Created in 1980, the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation supports Harvard Pilgrim’s mission to improve the quality and value of health care for the people and communities we serve. The Harvard Pilgrim Foundation provides the tools, training and leadership to help build healthy communities throughout Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. In 2020, the Harvard Pilgrim Foundation awarded more than $10.4 million in grants to nonprofit organizations in the region.  Since its inception in 1980, the Foundation has awarded $165 million in funds and resources throughout the four states.  For more information, please visit www.harvardpilgrim.org/foundation.

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SOURCE Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation

RES wind project sold to First Nation Partnership; Secures Power Purchase Agreement

MONTREAL, Feb. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — RES is pleased to announce that Hydro-Quebec has signed a Power Purchase Agreement with Parc éolien Apuiat S.E.C., a partnership between the Innu First Nation communities in Quebec and Boralex Inc. The Partnership is concurrently purchasing the 200MW wind project from RES, which is located in the Côte-Nord region of Québec, Canada.

RES launched the development of the site in 2012 and teamed in 2016 with Boralex to develop the Apuiat project. This is a flagship project for participating Innu First Nation communities who shall be project owners alongside Boralex, situated on their Nitassinan (traditional territories), with RES today selling down its interest to the long-term owners.

RES and Boralex worked together on the permitting and design of the project, drawing upon RES’ 39 years of experience developing renewable energy projects in Québec and around the globe.  The Apuiat project will create approximately 300 jobs during construction, with approximately 10 permanent jobs staying in the region to maintain operations over 30 years. 

«As a company which is committed to decarbonizing all electricity generation, RES is proud to have initiated the Apuiat project and helped the Government of Quebec’s commitment to clean power,» said Peter Clibbon, RES Senior VP of Development. «Our partnership with Boralex allowed us to advance a high-quality project which both aligns with community interests and values, as well as contributing to reducing the effects of climate change.»

About RES 
RES is the world’s largest independent renewable energy company active in onshore and offshore wind, solar, energy storage, transmission and distribution. At the forefront of the industry for 39 years, RES has delivered more than 19 GW of renewable energy projects across the globe and supports an operational asset portfolio exceeding 7 GW worldwide for a large client base. RES has secured 1.5 GW of power purchase agreements (PPAs) enabling access to energy at the lowest cost. RES employs more than 3,000 people and is active in 10 countries.

RES in Canada is headquartered in Montréal and has developed 1100MW of constructed wind project in Québec and built a further 800MW in the rest of Canada.

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/government-of-quebec-signs-new-wind-power-purchase-agreement-301222549.html

SOURCE Renewable Energy Systems Limited