Humana Partners to Expand Mental Health Education for Louisville's Next Generation
Jewish Heritage Fund and UofL Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute join Humana in launching hands-on Well-being Center at JA Finance Park
Following World Mental Health Day, the Humana Foundation – the philanthropic arm of Humana Inc. for the past 44 years – along with Jewish Heritage Fund and the University of Louisville's Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute, announced the grand opening of the new "Health and Well-being Center" at Junior Achievement (JA) Finance Park of Kentucky. The milestone was marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Park.
The new Health and Well-being Center introduces a mental health education component to JA Finance Park's interactive learning model. The space will help students connect financial literacy with emotional well-being and discover practical ways to prioritize mental health as part of their overall wellness.
"This learning hub represents a powerful step toward closing the knowledge gap around youth mental health," said Tiffany Benjamin, CEO of the Humana Foundation. "By integrating mental wellness into financial literacy and career planning, we're helping students build the tools they need to thrive, both personally and professionally."
The Health and Well-being Center will engage nearly 10,000 middle and high school students annually, offering hands-on activities that help students:
- Understand emotional well-being and mental health
- Create personalized self-care plans
- Explore careers in mental health
- Connect with local community resources for support
The initiative responds to a growing need in youth mental health education. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in six U.S. youth aged 6–17 experiences a mental health condition each year. Yet, Kentucky and Indiana do not currently require mental health in the states' K-12 curriculum. The Health and Well-being Center aims to normalize mental health conversations and empower students to seek help when needed.
Each of the four partner organizations played a vital role in bringing the Center to life. Humana Inc. led the strategic build and design, Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute contributed expertise in environmental and emotional wellness, and both the Humana Foundation and Jewish Heritage Fund provided strategic funding and a vision to advance equitable health outcomes for Louisville's youth.
"Adolescence is a critical time for brain development, setting the stage for lifelong benefits," said Jeff Polson, President & CEO of the Jewish Heritage Fund. "We are grateful for Humana's leadership on this initiative with Junior Achievement to help Louisville's youth build a strong foundation for future success."
About Humana
Humana Inc. is committed to putting health first – for our teammates, our customers, and our company. Through our Humana insurance services, and our CenterWell health care services, we strive to make it easier for the millions of people we serve to achieve their best health – delivering the care and service they need, when they need it. The goal of these efforts is a better quality of life for people with Medicare, Medicaid, families, individuals, military service personnel, and communities at large. Learn more about what we offer at Humana.com and at CenterWell.com .
About the Humana Foundation
The Humana Foundation was established in 1981 as the philanthropic arm of Humana Inc. and is focused on health equity, working to eliminate unjust, avoidable and unnecessary barriers in health and healthcare. The Foundation fosters evidence-based collaborations and investments that help people in underserved communities live connected, healthy lives. As a steward of good health, the Foundation creates healthy emotional connections for people and communities and is shaping a healthier approach to nutrition to support lifelong well-being. For more information, visit humanafoundation.org
About University of Louisville
Founded in 1798 as one of the nation's first city-owned, public universities, the University of Louisville (UofL) is a vital ecosystem that creates thriving futures for students, our community and society. One of only 21 universities in the United States to earn recognition by the Carnegie Foundation as both a Research 1 and an Opportunity College university, and further noted as a Community Engaged university, we impact lives in areas of student success and research and innovation, while our dynamic connection with our local and global communities provides unparalleled opportunities for students and citizens both.
About Jewish Heritage Fund
The Jewish Heritage Fund is a grantmaking organization established in 2012 with a focus on improved health, strengthening Louisville's distinction as a center for leading-edge medical research, and fostering a robust and dynamic Jewish community. Our strategic focus on adolescent health and wellness envisions Louisville as a city whose youth are mentally and physically healthy, thriving, and fully engaged in community. For more information, visit jewishheritagefund.com.
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Marvin Hill
Humana Corporate Communications
502-580-3950
[email protected]