FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TORRINGTON, Conn. – December 17, 2025 – The McCall Behavioral Health Network has been awarded a grant of $101,200 from The Cigna Group Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Cigna Group (NYSE: CI), to help address the youth mental health crisis.
The program will expand McCall’s Child and Adolescent Outpatient Services in Waterbury and Torrington by adding a clinician and increasing prescriber hours to meet the growing demand for youth mental health care. This expansion will reduce wait times, enhance access to culturally responsive treatment, and strengthen emotional well-being and resilience among young people ages 8–17 who are at risk of self-harm, substance use, or emotional distress.
“With this generous grant from The Cigna Group Foundation, we will be able to expand access to life-changing mental health services for youth and families across western Connecticut,” said McCall’s President and CEO, Maria Coutant Skinner, LSCW. “This support allows us to strengthen our clinical team and ensure that every young person—regardless of income or background—has the opportunity to heal and thrive. We are deeply grateful for The Cigna Group Foundation’s continued support in our mission to build healthier, more resilient communities.”
This investment builds on The Cigna Group Foundation’s prior $150,000 grant award in 2024 to expand McCall’s Child & Adolescent Services program in Waterbury, and now extends that support to the Northwest Corner through this new award, expanding both programs to offer outpatient services.
“Local nonprofits continue to be a tremendous source of support for kids and teens grappling with mental health issues, and we are thrilled to team up with the McCall Behavioral Health Network to expand their Child & Adolescent Services clinical team to help with post-pandemic stress among youth,” said Melissa Skottegaard, board chair, The Cigna Group Foundation. “The youth mental health crisis continues to weigh heavily on our communities, and it is our privilege to partner with trusted nonprofits to continue this important work.”
According to an analysis by The Cigna Group’s Evernorth Research Institute, the number of young people with mental health conditions has increased 28% since 2018, and the number of young people with at least two mental health diagnoses has risen 48% over the same period. Inadequate levels of social and emotional functioning are increasingly recognized as central to many public health problems, and more than two out of three children and adolescents experience trauma by age 16.
The Cigna Group Foundation has a long history of impactful partnerships with nonprofits, and in 2024 announced a philanthropic and community engagement initiative committing more than $27 million in grants over three years to nonprofit organizations focused on improving youth mental health, improving veteran mental health, and reducing barriers to health equity.
More information on The Cigna Group Foundation’s youth mental health grant program can be found here. Additional information about McCall’s programs can be found here.
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About the McCall Behavioral Health Network
Serving families and individuals of all ages across western Connecticut for 50+ years, McCall Behavioral Health Network is operating proof of the power of connection. We’re a diverse network of experienced, specialized, and highly trained behavioral healthcare professionals. Equally important, we’re passionate and compassionate people who are committed to helping individuals, families and communities access resources, overcome adversity, build resilience, and achieve wellness. A network that heals. A community who cares. That’s McCall Behavioral Health Network. www.mccallbhn.org
About The Cigna Group
The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) is a global health company committed to creating a better future built on the vitality of every individual and every community. We relentlessly challenge ourselves to partner and innovate solutions for better health. The Cigna Group includes products and services marketed under Cigna Healthcare, Evernorth Health Services or its subsidiaries. The Cigna Group maintains sales capabilities in more than 30 countries and jurisdictions and has more than 180 million customer relationships around the world. Learn more at thecignagroup.com.
About The Cigna Group Foundation
The Cigna Group Foundation is a private foundation funded by contributions from The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) and its subsidiaries. The Cigna Group Foundation aims to support, collaborate, and convene with nonprofit organizations addressing society’s greatest health challenges. In addition to increasing access to programs and care in geographies demonstrating significant need, the Foundation responds with humanitarian aid relief during critical times and strengthens colleagues’ support of causes through matching donations and volunteer rewards. To learn more, visit www.thecignagroup.com/community.
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