Monday, March 23, 2026
Fund connects more than 20 nonprofits to tackle food insecurity, homelessness, mental wellness, and more, amplifying efforts to address critical community needs; aims for greater reach in 2026
Wilmington, Del. (March 23, 2026) — Highmark Health Options Delaware (HHO) today committed to continue its Health Equity Fund through 2026. The Health Equity Fund is a groundbreaking initiative designed to address health disparities and inequities affecting Delaware residents, particularly the uninsured or underserved. The Fund fosters cross-system collaboration, developing and implementing innovative community-based programs that empower individuals and families to achieve self-reliance.
Last year, a seven-figure investment to more than 20 nonprofits and community organizations throughout the state helped expand access to care, launch new programs and services, strengthen communities, and deepen relationships between local organizations tackling critical health related social needs.
“Nonprofit organizations are vital to Delaware, particularly in health care and related services,” said Todd Graham, president, Highmark Health Options Delaware. “As the state’s largest Medicaid insurer, we couldn't address our members’ needs without the dedicated work of our nonprofit partners. The Health Equity Fund, established in 2023, strengthens these crucial collaborations, benefiting not just our members but every Delawarean who relies on these organizations to improve their lives. We're eager to extend the Health Equity Fund's influence, growing our network and deepening the collaborations between recipients. Our continuing investment underscores the value we place on these partnerships.”
The HHO Delaware Health Equity Fund focuses on three key objectives: identifying and reducing health disparities; removing barriers to access care; and creating replicable program frameworks tailored to specific community needs across the state. The Fund's success and impact is amplified by its commitment to collaboration, as evidenced by the impressive array of partner organizations involved.
"This Fund isn't just about providing financial backing; it's about building a robust, collaborative ecosystem dedicated to improving the health and well-being of all Delawareans," Graham added. "By working hand-in-hand with community organizations, we can leverage our collective expertise and resources to create sustainable, impactful change."
Highlighting Collaborative Success: Best Practices and Community Impact
The Fund’s collaborative approach has yielded remarkable results. A prime example is the partnership with the Delaware Assistive Technology Institutes (DATI). This program has assisted more than 100 HHO members. More than that, it’s served as a pilot providing a replicable model for DATI organizations nationwide to work effectively with managed care organizations. This relationship showcases the Fund's commitment to developing best practices that can be replicated in communities across the country.
Further highlighting the positive ripple effect of the Fund's initiatives is the community engagement demonstrated by the participants of the Recovery Café — a community-focused behavioral health program supporting individuals in recovery. Their volunteerism underscores the "pay it forward" mentality fostered by the program, showcasing the transformative power of community support.
The Fund’s success was also evident in the partnership between I Support the Girls and Network Connect which last year ensured young women throughout Delaware have access to essential feminine hygiene products. Network Connect also partnered with 2025 fund awardee Mother African Union Church on several fund-driven initiatives including a winter coat distribution event and a program that champions the important work of caregivers.
Grantees Making a Difference
The HHO Delaware Health Equity Fund is proud to support the following organizations, each playing a crucial role in addressing specific community health needs:
“Highmark Health Options has been a powerful partner in our homelessness prevention work,” said Bernice Edwards, executive director, First State Community Action Agency. “Through two consecutive years of Health Equity Fund support, we have prevented utility disconnections for hundreds of households, helping families remain safely housed and stable during times of crisis. Their commitment goes beyond funding. It reflects a deep understanding that housing stability and basic needs are essential to health. This partnership is a strong example of how cross-sector collaboration can strengthen the safety net around families and build healthier, more resilient communities.”
Fund Impact
The Fund’s comprehensive statewide impact can best be illustrated through the work of two of the awardees, Network Connect and Mother African Union Church. Together, Health Equity Fund investment helped the organizations assist 550 families and individuals through their November / December holiday efforts alone. This work included distributing:
Separately, Fund investment helped expand Network Connect’s RACE (Reverse Adverse Childhood Experiences) trauma-informed initiative focused on helping young people heal, grow, and thrive. Available in four schools, the program helps students build healthy coping skills, understand and manage their emotions and strengthen resilience and self-awareness through engaging, age-appropriate activities. The initiative served nearly 1,200 Delaware students in 2025.
Based on the needs of community members who have taken on the role of caregiver to aging parents, family members with disabilities, and others, Mother African Union Church offered a Caregiver Support Workshop Series last year. Rooted in current research and promoting best practices, each workshop focused on building different skills, support development, and resource cultivation augmented with courageous conversations, roleplay, and mindfulness exercises. Open to the public and free, the workshops attracted nearly 150 attendees in 2025.
About Highmark Health Options
Highmark Health Options is a managed care organization serving people who qualify for Medicaid. We help each of our nearly 115,000 members get the care and services they need to live healthier and more independent lives, and we collaborate with providers and regulators to improve health outcomes, simplify the health care experience, and ensure affordability. Medicaid covers 1 in 5 Americans as a state-run health insurance program. Highmark Health Options members include individuals and families with low income or complex needs, expecting mothers, children, and people with disabilities. Highmark Health Options is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross Blue Shield Plans. Learn more at www.highmarkhealthoptions.com.
For more information, contact
John Pepper
Highmark Health Options Delaware
412-951-1533
John.Pepper@highmarkhealth.org
