RIPIN Receives Grant from Tufts Health Plan Foundation Supporting Evidence-Based Programs

RIPIN has been awarded a two-year grant for $170,000 from Tufts Health Plan Foundation to increase evidence-based program participation among older people while building the infrastructure for a statewide sustainable payment model. This is one of 15 new community investments totaling nearly $1.9 million that reflect the Foundation’s commitment to advancing policies and practices that support healthy aging, including addressing gaps in food access, housing, transportation, and community safety.

“Each community has its own unique needs. Tufts Health Plan Foundation focuses resources in communities that want to achieve age-friendly practices that are relevant, focus on under-represented communities and engage older people in the process,” said Nora Moreno Cargie, president of the Tufts Health Plan Foundation and vice president of corporate citizenship for Tufts Health Plan. “We are proud to support organizations that are responding to the needs of older people in their communities.”

RIPIN is a leading organization of the Own Your Health Collaborative that provides evidence-based programs to improve the health of older people and other vulnerable populations. This grant will leverage RIPIN’s leadership and experience with evidence-based programs to develop a model for sustainable reimbursement from health care organizations. RIPIN is a member of the New England collaborative organized by the Healthy Living Center of Excellence.

“Thanks to our strong partnership with Tufts Health Plan Foundation, RIPIN connected more than 1,000 patients to evidence-based health promotion programs in 20 cities and towns throughout Rhode Island in 2018,” said Sam Salganik, Executive Director of RIPIN. “With this continued commitment, we will be able to bring these programs to even more Rhode Island seniors, allowing them to take control over their health and well-being, while simultaneously improving health outcomes and lowering healthcare costs.”

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 $34 million to Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island nonprofits that promote healthy living with an emphasis on older adults. The Foundation will begin funding in Connecticut in 2019. 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 www.tuftshealthplanfoundation.org or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.

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