NORFOLK, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- Ten area organizations are among dozens that are getting some funding for programs addressing social determinants of health.

Sentara Healthcare announced nearly $5 million in funding for 71 community partners in Virginia and North Carolina on Wednesday.

According to a release, these funds will directly support programs and initiatives addressing social determinants of health and promote health equity by eliminating traditional barriers to health and human services.

This is part of the Sentara Healthier Communities Fund.

Sentara says it is committed to supporting community-based health equity programs.

Such programs can focus on improving public health, addressing health inequities, and promoting equitable access to communities that are traditionally underserved.

Additionally, the health care system says it prioritizes funding for community partners and initiatives that align with its primary focus areas of behavioral health, housing, workforce training and career development, food security, and social determinants of health.

“Hope is truly at the center of every partnership we embrace and every program we support — hope that health disparities and inequities can be addressed, that opportunities for better careers can continue to expand, that healthy food can make it to every table,” said Sherry Norquist, MSN-RN, Sentara director of community engagement and impact. “We know these hopes are high, but if the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that even when hope comes in small doses, it can last a lifetime.”

In Charlottesville, Brave Souls on Fire, the Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Common Ground Healing Arts, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville, Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels of Charlottesville/Albemarle, the Women’s Initiative, the Thomas Jefferson EMS Council, and Tour of Faith Mobile (Virginia Organizing) are all getting some funding.

The Orange County Free Clinic is also getting some money through this.

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