Wellpath Cares Foundation Invests in Strengthening Communities

New Community Impact Grant program will support community-based nonprofits serving justice-involved individuals.

FRANKLIN, Tenn., Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Wellpath today announced the establishment of the Community Impact Grant program under the Wellpath Cares Foundation, a private foundation created to strengthen communities by supporting nonprofit organizations that serve justice-involved individuals. The Foundation's Community Impact Grant program is designed to provide targeted funding to eligible community-based organizations working to reduce recidivism, support successful reentry and expand access to substance use disorder treatment.

Through the program, the Foundation will award grants ranging from $250 to $10,000 to verified 501(c)(3) public charities operating in jurisdictions where Wellpath provides correctional healthcare services. Funding is intended for specific, measurable initiatives, including reentry support, employment readiness, mentoring, transportation, treatment access, recovery support and harm-reduction programs.

"The transition from incarceration back into the community can be shaped by whether people have access to practical support at the moment they need it most," said Ben Slocum, Chief Executive Officer of Wellpath. "The Community Impact Grant program gives us a focused way to support trusted local organizations that are helping individuals build stability, continue recovery and move forward with a genuine second chance."

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed quarterly. Eligible proposals will be evaluated using objective criteria that consider mission alignment, organizational capacity, project feasibility, measurable outcomes, community impact and geographic relevance.

"Healthcare does not end when someone leaves a correctional facility. Lasting recovery and improved health outcomes depend on access to treatment, support services, and stable community connections," said Dr. Dheeraj Taranath, Chief Medical Officer at Wellpath. "Through the Community Impact Grant program, we are investing in organizations that help individuals continue their care journey, strengthen their well-being, and build healthier futures for themselves and their communities."

The Community Impact Grant program will focus on three areas: reentry support, including housing assistance, job readiness, mentoring, transportation and transitional services; recidivism reduction through evidence-informed programming and life-skills education; and substance use disorder treatment and recovery, including treatment access, peer recovery services and harm-reduction initiatives.

Eligible applicants must be verified 501(c)(3) public charities with a demonstrated commitment to serving justice-involved populations. Interested organizations can learn more and submit their grant application at wellpathfoundation.org.

About Wellpath

Wellpath is the leading provider of correctional healthcare services, founded with the mission to provide quality care to every patient with compassion, collaboration and innovation. The company delivers comprehensive medical, mental health, dental and ancillary services across correctional and secure settings nationwide. Wellpath specializes in evidence-based, patient-centered care designed to improve outcomes while supporting public safety agencies and communities. To learn more, visit wellpathcare.com.

SOURCE Wellpath