HBI’s CEO July Message

We have been incredibly busy at Health Betterment Initiative (HBI)! Our dedicated teams in Maryland, DC, and Virginia are actively working towards achieving our funding objectives.

I want to express our deep gratitude to the Cafritz Foundation and the Potomac Health Foundation for generously awarding grants to HBI. This funding is crucial as much of our work focuses on addressing disparities within the social determinants of health.

For instance, when clients face food insecurity, they may prioritize meeting basic needs over seeking medical treatment. The support from foundations and private donors allows us to provide supermarket gift cards directly to underserved individuals, helping to meet their immediate needs. Additionally, to combat the stigma associated with infectious diseases, donor funding supports testing for conditions like diabetes and cholesterol. HBI strives to normalize infectious disease testing by offering comprehensive health assessments.

Thanks to the generosity of private donors and foundations, HBI can continue its mission of creating healthier communities. I want to emphasize our appreciation to the Cafritz Foundation and the Potomac Health Foundation. While funding in Virginia is more limited compared to DC and Maryland, with their support and contributions from pharmaceutical companies, we can sustain our critical work in Virginia. This includes initiatives focused on harm reduction and comprehensive health education, aimed at overcoming barriers related to knowledge and language for all individuals.

We invite you to join us in our mission to enhance health and well-being in our communities. Your donations play a crucial role in enabling us to deliver essential services and support to those who need it most. Please consider making a contribution to HBI today and help us sustain our vital efforts. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families in our community. Thank you for your support!

Sandra Marrero Ashford, MPH, MPA, MA
HBI CEO