CHCF Health Innovation Fund

Exciting News: Hazel Health Expands Student Mental Health Services to Rhode Island Students We're thrilled to see Rhode Island taking a bold step to address the youth mental health crisis. Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee recently announced a groundbreaking partnership with Hazel Health to provide comprehensive, virtual mental health services to students across the state. Key points:  • Rhode Island aims to be the first East Coast state to launch a statewide telehealth initiative of this kind.  • The service will be available to approximately 130,000 students.  • Hazel Health, the nation's largest school-based telehealth provider, serves over 4.7 million students nationwide. This initiative aligns with CHCF's commitment to improving healthcare access, particularly for underserved populations. It's encouraging to see: 1. A focus on equity: 50% of Hazel Health's providers identify as BIPOC, and 40% are bilingual. 2. Proven results: A Clemson University study found that Hazel's therapy program reduced depression and anxiety symptoms in 75% of students. 3. Addressing absenteeism: Early research shows Hazel's program can improve school attendance. As we at CHCF continue to support innovative healthcare solutions, we're excited to watch this partnership unfold and potentially serve as a model for other states. #YouthMentalHealth #HealthcareAccess #StudentWellbeing https://lnkd.in/gts-u-SC

We are highlighting the work that Vanessa Villaverde is doing at CHCF's Innovation Fund to expand access to capital for health entrepreneurs. She is passionate about building culturally and linguistically appropriate care through tech. Too often, Latino/x entrepreneurs are building health care solutions that do not make it to the communities they are meant to serve. Vanessa is working to change that.

Youth Mental Health: A Growing Investment Opportunity with Room for Innovation The digital health landscape is evolving, with a significant shift towards addressing youth mental health, according to a recent article from Med City News. A recent report from Rock Health highlights this trend: • Investment in youth mental health startups rose from 15% of total digital behavioral health funding in 2018 to 34% in 2023. • 79% of 2023 funding rounds for youth mental health startups were Seed or Series A, indicating strong interest in specialized, youth-focused solutions. We're proud to see CHCF Innovation Fund investee BeMe Health featured in this article. BeMe exemplifies the innovative approaches needed in this space, with their teen-centric design and focus on combining digital solutions with human connection. As we continue to support initiatives improving healthcare access for all Californians, we're excited to see how innovation in youth mental health evolves to meet these critical needs. #YouthMentalHealth #DigitalHealth #HealthcareInnovation #MedicaidOpportunities #CHCF #BeMe https://lnkd.in/gxHxxnzs

We are so excited about National Latino/a Physician Day! Check out Jhaimy Fernandez, MD IG Live Session and learn about Alma First, a fantastic organization at the intersection of health care and technology. Don't miss it!

⚡️ Spotlight Series ⚡️ Meet Hilda Martinez, a senior communications officer at the California Health Care Foundation. Hear her share why partnering with Latino/x-founders like Luis Emilio Suarez and his tech firm Sanarai is leading to better access to mental health for Spanish-speaking and Latino/x families. #HispanicHeritageMonth #MentalHealth

Thank you Rock Health for organizing Catalysts of Change: Digital Health Solutions Driving Latine Community Wellness moderated by Vanessa Villaverde and joined by Félix Manuel Chinea, MD Lili Gangas, and Roberto Rodriguez. What an inspiring conversation among ecosystem leaders who are working to build and support innovation for the Latine community, the fastest-growing ethnic group in the U.S. Take a listen and get inspired. Adelante! https://lnkd.in/gGwywAd2

Congratulations! Well deserved. We support Pear Suite's community-centered approach to technology innovation in Medi-Cal. Pear Suite aims to: 1) empower community health workers and 2) function as a one-stop-shop care navigation and billing platform that helps organizations bill Medi-Cal. A big win for Pear Suite, CHWs, and thousands of Medi-Cal members.

Don't miss the VOA Futures Fund Community Health Incubator Showcase! Come meet the Community Health Incubator cohort addressing health disparities including maternal mental health, eldercare, workforce development and more! The showcase gives startups the opportunity to showcase their innovation to California health systems and investors. Sponsored by CHCF Innovation fund, Humana Foundation and Volunteers of America Futures Fund. Register for the 9:30AM EST showcase before July 23, 2024 through this link:  https://lnkd.in/g55S-AwQ

Congratulations to Rocket Doctor and all the companies working to improve health equity and change the face of health care.

Companies can be successful and solve important social problems. Motivo Health is doing just that. “We get to spend hours and hours every week working on a problem that’s really impacting communities. We are working to have enough mental health providers in our country for those who need and want therapy.” Founder Rachel McCrickard, LMFT. Inspired by her own challenges as a therapist, Rachel set out to build a solution and along the way has confronted many challenges and learned a lot in the process. Listen to Rachel’s journey, her advice to entrepreneurs, and what Motivo is doing to ensure its path to profitability: https://lnkd.in/gqjW_m24 Listen where you get your podcasts!