-- Aetna employees also volunteered more than 317,000 hours in their communities ----Aetna Foundation opens 2010 call for grant proposals today --

(BLACK PR WIRE)(March 15, 2010) HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Aetna (NYSE: AET) and the Aetna Foundation together awarded more than $20 million during 2009 to nonprofits across the nation addressing a variety of health issues, including racial and ethnic equity in health care and obesity, as well as the arts, human service programs, academic opportunities, faith-based initiatives and many others.

Aetna employees, retirees and directors donated an additional $4.4 million in 2009 through the company's matching gift program, bringing combined giving in communities where Aetna employees and customers live and work to over $24 million. And, Aetna’s employees donated more than dollars, generously giving 317,000 hours of their personal time and talents. Since 2003, Aetna employees have logged nearly 2 million volunteer hours.

Aetna and the Aetna Foundation are proud to partner with organizations across the country in support of their good work, and we look forward to continued relationships as we focus our giving in key areas going forward, said Anne Beal, MD, MPH, president of the Aetna Foundation. For 2010 and beyond, we are transitioning to a new approach that encompasses a more concentrated grant-making focus on specific health issues of national concern, enhanced communication and measurement of the impact of our grants, a more proportionate distribution of our charitable giving across the country, and a more holistic relationship with our community partners that capitalizes on our employee presence and the generosity and talents of our employee volunteers.

Complementing the Aetna Foundations grant making, Aetna volunteers will continue to be an important part of our presence in local communities across the country in 2010 and beyond.

The volunteerism of Aetna’s employees is a great source of corporate pride, said Floyd Green, Aetna’s head of Community Relations and Urban Marketing. We look forward to continuing to pair our highly engaged employee volunteer councils with the needs of the many wonderful organizations and individuals who are working to build healthy communities across America.

The Aetna Foundation is opening the call for proposals for the 2010 grant cycle effective today. Grant applicants should visit www.aetnafoundation.org for more information on how to apply for a grant and to learn more about the following Aetna Foundation focus areas for grant making in 2010 and beyond.

• Addressing the rising incidence of obesity among U.S. residents, including children;
• Promoting racial and ethnic equity in health and health care for common chronic conditions and for the prevention of infant mortality; and
• Advancing integrated health care, by:
o Improving coordination and communications among health care professionals;
o Creating informed and involved patients; and
o Promoting cost-effective, affordable care.

About the Aetna Foundation
The Aetna Foundation is a national health foundation that promotes wellness, health, and access to high-quality health care for everyone. Our giving is focused on addressing the rising rates of adult and childhood obesity in the U.S.; promoting racial and ethnic equity in health and health care; and advancing integrated health care. Originally founded in 1972 as the independent charitable and philanthropic arm of Aetna Inc., Aetna and the Aetna Foundation have contributed over $379 million in grants and sponsorships since 1980. This work is enhanced by the time and commitment of Aetna employees, who have volunteered nearly 2 million hours since 2003. For more information visit www.aetnafoundation.org.

About Aetna
Aetna is one of the nations leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 36.1 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, group life and disability plans, and medical management capabilities and health care management services for Medicaid plans. Our customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups and expatriates. For more information, see www.aetna.com.

Source: Aetna

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