Elevance Health Foundation Boosts Doula Training with $1.5 Million Grant to HealthConnect One

INDIANAPOLIS – June 25, 2025 – The Elevance Health Foundation, the philanthropic arm of leading health company Elevance Health (NYSE: ELV), has announced a significant $1.5 million grant to HealthConnect One. This substantial investment is aimed at accelerating the expansion of community-based doula care, a critical component in addressing persistent maternal health disparities across the United States. The initiative underscores Elevance Health's commitment to improving health outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations.

HealthConnect One, a national leader in community-based doula and peer-to-peer support programs, will leverage this grant to launch new, comprehensive doula training programs. These programs will be implemented in collaboration with local community-based organizations across six key states: California, Georgia, Indiana, Ohio, New York, and Virginia. These states have been identified as areas with significant maternal and child health challenges, including alarmingly high rates of pre-term births, maternal mortality, and disparities in access to quality prenatal and postnatal care.

Addressing a National Health Crisis

Maternal and child health challenges continue to be a pressing national concern. The U.S. lags behind many developed nations in maternal health outcomes, with disproportionately higher rates of complications and mortality among women of color. Doulas, trained professionals who provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to mothers before, during, and after childbirth, have been shown to significantly improve birth outcomes. Studies indicate that doula support can lead to lower rates of C-sections, reduced need for pain medication, fewer preterm births, and improved breastfeeding initiation and duration.

This grant will enable HealthConnect One to scale its proven model, increasing the number of trained community doulas who can serve their local communities. By focusing on community-based organizations, the program ensures that doula services are culturally competent and accessible to those who need them most, fostering trust and engagement within diverse populations. The training will cover a wide range of topics, including prenatal education, labor support techniques, postpartum recovery, infant care, and connecting families with essential community resources.

Elevance Health's Broader Commitment to Health Equity

The Elevance Health Foundation's investment is part of a broader strategy to advance health equity and improve community health. The Foundation has a long-standing commitment to initiatives that address social drivers of health, such as access to care, food security, and economic stability. This grant aligns perfectly with their mission to create a healthier future for all, recognizing that maternal health is foundational to the well-being of families and communities.

For Elevance Health, this philanthropic effort also reinforces its brand as a socially responsible corporate citizen. In an era where Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors are increasingly important to investors, such initiatives can enhance a company's reputation and appeal. While direct financial returns from philanthropic grants are not expected, the positive societal impact can contribute to long-term brand value and stakeholder trust.

Market Context and Investment Implications

From a market perspective, investments in maternal health and health equity reflect a growing trend within the healthcare sector. Payers and providers are increasingly recognizing the long-term cost savings and societal benefits associated with preventative care and addressing health disparities. Improved maternal health outcomes can lead to healthier populations, reduced healthcare utilization in the long run, and a more productive workforce.

For investors in ELV, this announcement, while not directly impacting quarterly earnings, signals a commitment to sustainable business practices and community engagement. Companies that demonstrate strong ESG performance often exhibit greater resilience and attract a broader investor base. This grant highlights Elevance Health's proactive approach to public health challenges, which can be viewed positively by investors focused on long-term value creation and responsible investing. It reinforces the company's position as a leader not just in healthcare services, but also in community health improvement, potentially enhancing its appeal to ESG-conscious funds and investors.

This strategic philanthropic investment by the Elevance Health Foundation is a testament to the power of collaboration between corporate philanthropy and non-profit organizations in tackling critical public health issues. It promises to make a tangible difference in the lives of countless mothers and babies across the nation, fostering healthier communities for generations to come.