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Cardinal Innovations Healthcare announced the establishment of the COVID-19 Relief Fund Thursday to address the needs of communities impacted by the new coronavirus (COVID-19).

In keeping with the organization’s philosophy of investing in the communities it serves, Cardinal Innovations created the $1 million COVID-19 Relief Fund to support local efforts that are improving the health, wellness and stability of vulnerable populations affected by the virus, especially for individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and/or substance use disorders.

“The impact the virus is having on individuals and communities is heartbreaking,” said Cardinal Innovations CEO Trey Sutten. “These are our neighbors and our communities, and Cardinal is in a position to help. We’re going to do everything we can to ensure that services and supports are available for those who need them.”

The fund has been created with dollars already approved by our Board of Directors for community reinvestment and will be part of a large-scale effort encompassing the stability of our network of providers, continued access to care for our members and local community initiatives.

Cardinal Innovations will prioritize requests that make an immediate impact on the availability of social services and increase the community’s overall ability to serve those who have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. Grants up to $20,000 will be awarded.

Proposals will be considered from organizations within Cardinal Innovations’ service area, which includes 20 counties: Alamance, Cabarrus, Caswell, Chatham, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Franklin, Granville, Halifax, Mecklenburg, Orange, Person, Rockingham, Rowan, Stanly, Stokes, Union, Vance and Warren.

The first $20,000 of the fund has been committed to the Foundation for the Carolinas and United Way of Central Carolina’s “COVID-19 Response Fund.”

To better respond to immediate needs, Cardinal Innovations is accepting applications on an ongoing basis throughout the pandemic and will employ an expedited review process.

To learn more or to apply, visit www.cardinalinnovations.org/covid19-relief-fund.