Priority Health donates $5,000 to mental health nonprofit after mask up campaign
(Grand Rapids, Mich. – Sept. 10, 2020) Michigan-based health plan, Priority Health, joined the Detroit Regional Chamber’s efforts to promote mask wearing across the state to protect public health during COVID-19 by taking the #MaskUpMichigan pledge. Priority Health led a social media campaign in conjunction with a $5,000 donation to the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Michigan to support the increased demand in behavioral health needs due to COVID-19.
“Wearing masks is one of the best ways to stop COVID-19 from spreading throughout our communities,” said Dr. James Forshee, chief medical officer at Priority Health. “We’re proud to join with thousands of Michigan organizations and individuals through this campaign to encourage community members to make the smart choice by masking up to protect our families, friends and community. Being able to support behavioral health needs while helping slow the spread of the virus is a win-win.”
The social media challenge encouraged Priority Health staff, members and participants all over Michigan to share photos of themselves wearing a mask and a statement on why it is a priority for them to protect public health. For every person who posted with the hashtags, #MaskUpMichigan and #PriorityHealthforGood, the company pledged to donate to the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Michigan which provides statewide support for people living with serious mental illness and their families.
“While NAMI Michigan is incredibly grateful to Priority Health for the generous donation, masking up to slow the spread of COVID-19 and increasing mental health awareness are equally important,” said Kevin Fischer, executive director at NAMI Michigan. “COVID-19 significantly impacted our fundraising, yet the need for mental health services has increased, so support from community partners like Priority Health will enable us to continue our outreach efforts and eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness.”
On August 28, Priority Health presented a check (virtually) to NAMI of Michigan to support the nonprofit and their work during COVID-19. Watch the full check presentation and interview and get photos from the campaign.
In Addition to the social campaign, Priority Health donated masks to all employees upon return to work as well as community partners including YMCA of Battle Creek, St. Luke’s Diaper Bank of Kalamazoo, Detroit Pistons youth summer camps, and 200 group exercise participants at the Arts, Beats and Eats festival in Royal Oak, Michigan.
Priority Health also provides tips on its digital magazine, ThinkHealth, and social media channels specific to mask wear and care during COVID-19.
About Priority Health:
With over 30 years in business, Priority Health is the second largest health plan in Michigan, offering an extensive portfolio of health benefits options for employer groups and individuals, including Medicare and Medicaid plans. Serving more than 1.3 million members each year and offering a broad network of primary care physicians in Michigan, Priority Health continues to be recognized as a leader for quality, customer service, transparency and product innovation. Learn more about affordable, quality health coverage options from Priority Health.
About NAMI:
Founded in 1979, the National Alliance on Mental Illness is a nationwide organization with affiliates in every state and in more than 1,100 local communities across the country. NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons living with serious mental illness and their families.