Special to the American Press

United Way of Southwest Louisiana was recently awarded a $50,000 grant from the Humana Medicaid COVID-19 Relief Fund. Designed to support the work of non-profits and agencies on the frontlines of the worldwide health pandemic, United Way of Southwest was selected in response to its ongoing commitment to the holistic betterment of the region.

“The global pandemic coronavirus has certainly brought unprecedented attention to the aches and pains of all of our friends and neighbors,” Denise Durel, president and CEO of United Way of Southwest Louisiana, said. “Our response has been calculated toward their needs and this grant will only help us intensify those efforts.”

Humana’s funds will be utilized in Southwest Louisiana for the continued support of initiatives like its 211 help lines which provide social/emotional assistance, financial assistance through the Coronavirus Response Fund for Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed residents and the elimination of food insecurity through public feeding sites and grocery distributions.

“We are proud to support the United Way of Southwest Louisiana and want everyone in the region to have the resources to address their whole-person and family needs,” said Tony Mollica, Humana’s Medicaid regional vice president.

“During this critical time, it’s important that families have easy access to food, financial and other services that enable good health and peace of mind,” he said.