Fostering Solution-Focused Research to Create Healthier Communities

Contributing to community health through data and research has always been my passion. With a background in health research, I have led public health studies and data analytics projects to promote better health outcomes, inform policy decisions, and address health inequities in communities.  At the Humana Foundation, leveraging my extensive experience in public health research, I lead the organization’s research strategy, including its research grants program, which has awarded over $3 million in funding since its launch last year.

Why are we investing in research?

The Humana Foundation’s research strategy is designed to generate knowledge that translates into practical solutions for removing barriers that prevent people from living healthy, connected lives.

By better understanding the factors influencing health, we can create scalable health equity interventions that lead to positive long-term health outcomes.

Like our other Humana Foundation programs, the research grants program focuses on awarding support that creates healthy emotional connections and shapes a healthier approach to nutrition for seniors, school-aged children and veterans.

How are we investing in research?

Our research grants program is invitation-only and provides funding to academic researchers pursuing projects that are solution-focused, scientifically rigorous, and have practical implications for public health or healthcare policy and practice. 

A key element of our program is representation. We believe that research must reflect the diversity of the populations it seeks to help. That’s why we are committed to supporting research led by diverse scholars that address the various health equity challenges faced by racially and ethnically diverse, and underserved communities. We also value community-engaged and community-based participatory research approach, which aligns with equitable research practices by ensuring that research processes are inclusive, fair, and responsive to the diverse needs and perspectives of communities.

Our current research partnerships include studies on:

• Nutrition Education and Security: Our grants support examining the effectiveness of various nutrition programs designed for different population groups. These studies not only address nutrition security and nutrition-related health outcomes, but also explore the programs’ potential positive impact on emotional health, including social connectedness as a key factor in health.
  
  
• Youth Suicide Prevention: Recognizing the mental health crisis among youth, we are supporting research into preventive strategies that can reduce suicide risk and foster resilience in young people with a focus on marginalized youth and culturally appropriate approaches.
  
  
• Support for Caregivers of Seniors: With many caregivers facing unique challenges, this research focuses on programs and processes that can enhance their well-being and ensure they have the resources they need to care for loved ones.

As we continue to grow this program, we remain dedicated to a future where everyone has the opportunity to achieve their best health, regardless of background or circumstance. Through this investment in research, we are proud to be shaping that future together.