Simply Healthcare and Junior Achievement Florida Join Forces to Empower Youth with Financial Literacy and Mental Health Awareness

In recognition of National Career Development Month youth were provided the opportunity to participate in experiential learning at JA BizTown®, a hands-on simulated community designed to teach workforce readiness

Miami, Fla. (Nov. 21, 2024) – Simply Healthcare Plans (Simply Healthcare), a leading provider of Medicaid and Medicare solutions in Florida, has teamed up with Junior Achievement of South Florida to enhance financial literacy and support mental health initiatives for local youth. This collaboration aims to provide a comprehensive educational experience, promoting both personal and financial well-being to middle and high school students in Broward County through the engaging, real-world simulation at JA BizTown®.

“Supporting whole health and emotional well-being of Florida’s youth is a top priority for Simply Healthcare Plans,” said Dana Gryniuk, Medicaid President of Simply Healthcare Plans. “Through our partnership with Junior Achievement of South Florida, we are equipping young individuals with the essential workforce and financial literacy skills needed for both personal and professional success. It is also incredibly rewarding to see our Simply Healthcare associate volunteers engaging with students at JA BizTown®, promoting a holistic approach to health, self-sufficiency and financial stability.”

JA BizTown® combines classroom learning with a dynamic simulation of a real-world economy, empowering students to bridge the gap between academic concepts and practical application. Participants gain valuable skills in job application processes, voting, exploring careers, customer service, managing paychecks, saving money and more. Students then put their knowledge to the test in hands-on experiences as citizens, consumers, employees and business owners within the simulated community, fostering a comprehensive understanding of economic and civic responsibilities.

Research released by the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute highlights the correlation between financial literacy and mental health. Findings reveal that almost half (46%) of individuals with problem debt also experience mental health problems. Additionally, 86% of study respondents reported that their financial situation worsened their mental health problems. Conversely, those with mental health challenges are three and a half times more likely to face significant financial difficulties. By addressing these interconnected issues, Simply Healthcare aims to promote a whole-person health approach to youth development, emphasizing that financial success is a pivotal component of achieving whole health, prosperity and self-sufficiency.

In addition to funding the JA BizTown® experiences for youth, Simply Healthcare associates volunteered their time to guide students through various activities at JA BizTown®. This volunteer effort was a part of Simply Healthcare's commitment to National Career Development Month, celebrated in November. Guided by 40 dedicated Simply Healthcare associate volunteers, students participated in interactive activities that gave them insights into the complexities and responsibilities of managing personal and professional finances. The students operated banks, managed restaurants, wrote checks and even voted for a mayor. These experiences highlighted the importance of financial literacy, civic engagement, customer service and teamwork, equipping students with practical skills for their future.

“Junior Achievement of South Florida is thrilled to partner with Simply Healthcare to make a meaningful, long-lasting impact on the lives of students through JA BizTown®,” shared Laurie Sallarulo, CEO of Junior Achievement of South Florida. “By focusing on financial literacy and well-being, we are empowering Florida's youth to understand their roles as fully engaged citizens, workers and consumers within their communities.”

Junior Achievement of South Florida is a nonprofit organization that has been preparing young people for success in the global economy since 1959. The organization was founded by the Fort Lauderdale Rotary Club and has since positively impacted the lives of more than 1.3 million students in partnership with Broward County Schools. Annually, Junior Achievement of South Florida reaches more than 80,000 K-12+ students through its ten established programs, staying true to its mission of empowering young people with essential skills for success in the real world. For more information about Junior Achievement South Florida’s commitment to empowering youth, visit www.JASouthFlorida.org.

About Simply Healthcare Plans

Simply Healthcare Plans, Inc., is a Florida managed healthcare plan that serves Medicare Advantage and Medicaid members in the state of Florida. In addition, Simply Healthcare, through a line of business called Clear Health Alliance, also serves Florida Medicaid members who are living with HIV/AIDS. Our goal is to provide healthcare and related services that are comprehensive, integrated and patient-centered. Each and every day, members of our team can be found in Florida communities, listening to our members, interacting with our healthcare providers and partnering with community-based organizations. Our goal is to ensure members and entire communities are empowered to become active participants in their healthcare and sustain healthy lifestyles. To learn more about Simply Healthcare, visit www.simplyhealthcareplans.com.

About Junior Acheivement South FloridA

Junior Achievement of South Florida is part of the JA USA network. Junior Achievement (JA) is the world’s largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic & economic choices. JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers, & provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge & skills in financial literacy, work readiness & entrepreneurship. Today, JA reaches more than 4.8 million students per year in 109 markets across the United States, with an additional 5.2 million students served by operations in 100 other countries worldwide. Junior Achievement USA is a member of JA Worldwide. Click here for more information.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Dionisia Malecki, Simply Healthcare Public Relations
Phone: 813-399-0364
Email: dionisia.malecki@elevancehealth.com