LEWISTON — Mid-Coast Health Net (doing business as Knox County Health Clinic) is one of eight Maine nonprofit agencies working in community health that have been awarded grants by Lewiston-based Community Health Options (Health Options). Community Health Options is the state’s only nonprofit, member-led health insurance organization, according to the company, in a news release. 

The other grant recipients include Bangor Region YMCA, Town of Cranberry Isles Fire & Rescue Auxiliary, National Alliance of Mental Health (NAMI) Maine, Defend Our Health, Healthy Community Coalition, Healthy Acadia, and New Mainers Public Health Initiative.

“We had a tremendous response to this round of grants, with 33 organizations submitting applications,” said Kevin Lewis, president and CEO of Health Options. “Working with our grant advisory council and learning about these organizations provided just a glimpse of the incredible number of significant community health initiatives taking place in our state, ranging from testing and treating contaminants in well water to providing better access to telemedicine and reducing second-hand smoke exposure.”

Now in its second year of funding, the mission of Health Options’ community giving program is to support community-based health and wellness in Maine. This grant cycle focused on Maine nonprofit organizations working to mitigate some factors that lead to the chronic health conditions and assist Maine people managing chronic illness to be their best selves – mentally, physically, and emotionally.

“As our name illustrates, Community Health Options was founded with a mission to improve health and wellness in our local communities,” said Lewis. “We are pleased to continue this important grant-giving and provide support to health programs that are uniquely designed by local groups for local communities.”

About Community Health Options

Community Health Options is the only Maine-based, nonprofit, Member-led health plan and self-funded plan administrator providing comprehensive health insurance benefits for individuals, families, and businesses. Health Options partners with more than 1,300 businesses and 48,000 healthcare providers in the state. The organization recently launched PioneerASO, an administration offering for companies looking to self-fund employee healthcare coverage.