WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 13, 2017) – Today, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) and the Cigna Foundation are proud to announce a powerful new partnership in support of the veteran community. The alliance will support veterans, particularly veteran access to healthcare and services. To launch the partnership, IAVA Executive Director, Allison Jaslow, will participate in a panel today of national thought-leaders and members of Congress at the Newseum in Washington, D.C., discussing this critical issue facing veterans hosted by Cigna and CQ Roll Call. The panel will also outline steps to curb the national opioid epidemic as it impacts the veteran community. 

To help veterans achieve their goals and navigate the transition from combat, the Cigna Foundation has committed a grant of $100,000 a year for three years to help expand IAVA’s groundbreaking Rapid Response Referral Program (RRRP). RRRP is IAVA’s innovative high-tech, high-touch referral program for veterans facing critical challenges upon transitioning out of the military. Building on the hugely successful RRRP program, the grant will help IAVA expand its programming in the eastern seaboard of the United States, an area with a high concentration of veterans. 

IAVA’s Rapid Response Referral Program (RRRP) is IAVA’s one-on-one case management and referral service program. Since the launch in late 2012, the program has helped over 7,900 veterans and family members get on track to meeting their goals through connections to quality resources and benefits. Our Veteran Transition Managers understand transition challenges and work with individuals for as long as it takes to find solutions. They’ve helped veterans use their New GI Bill to pursue an education, find doctors and legal support, access emergency housing and financial assistance, and more. Services are 100% free and confidential, and open to veterans of all eras and their families, regardless of discharge status.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Cigna Foundation to shine a light on the challenges and opportunities that exist for our veterans and their families. The Cigna Foundation is leading the way in stepping up to support the next greatest generation of American veterans” said Allison Jaslow, Executive Director of IAVA.  “Today’s panel is hugely important and extremely timely. The opioid epidemic affects Americans across the country, including countless veterans . Now is the time to address this growing issue in the veteran community and pave the way for real action on behalf of our vets. The Cigna Foundation’s commitment to the veteran community and support for RRRP will help IAVA continue to assist countless veterans facing critical issues and will undoubtedly save lives.”

“We are proud to partner with IAVA to expand its Rapid Response Referral Program into the U.S. eastern seaboard – a program which offers critical support to help veterans navigate the healthcare system and access other community resources they need,” said David Figliuzzi, Cigna Foundation executive director. “We recognize the value of support services like what IAVA has created, and we look forward to working with them to help fill gaps in resources for those brave men and women who have served and continue to serve.”

Watch a livestream of the Cigna and CQ Roll Call Hosted Panel online here. 

About Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (www.IAVA.org) is the leading post-9/11 veteran empowerment organization (VEO) with the most diverse and rapidly growing membership in America. As a non-profit founded in 2004, IAVA’s mission is to connect, unite and empower post-9/11 veterans. Celebrating its 12th year anniversary, IAVA has connected more than 1.2 million veterans with resources and community, and provided more than 7,900 veterans with personalized support from IAVA’s Master’s level social workers.

About the Cigna Foundation

The Cigna Foundation, founded in 1962, is a private foundation funded by contributions from Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) and its subsidiaries. The Cigna Foundation supports organizations sharing its commitment to enhancing the health of individuals and families, and the well-being of their communities, with a special focus on those communities where Cigna employees live and work. 

About Cigna

Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) is a global health service company dedicated to helping people improve their health, well-being and sense of security. All products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, including Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Life Insurance Company of North America and Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York. Such products and services include an integrated suite of health services, such as medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, vision, supplemental benefits, and other related products including group life, accident and disability insurance. Cigna maintains sales capability in 30 countries and jurisdictions, and has more than 95 million customer relationships throughout the world. To learn more about Cigna®, including links to follow us on Facebook or Twitter, visit www.cigna.com.