As COVID-19 rates continue to rise across many parts of the country, Cigna is providing critical health care resources to a number of communities most at risk – and who already face widespread health disparities. As part of our Building Equity and Equality Program, which seeks to improve health outcomes in communities of color, Cigna has again hit the road to reach more communities with the Health Improvement Tour, providing free flu shots, personal protective equipment (PPE) and other COVID-19 resources.  The Tour is currently making stops in multiple locations including Memphis, Houston and South Florida, throughout December.

“Flu shots, PPE and COVID safety resources can provide much-needed protections for high-risk communities,” said Dr. Steve Miller, chief clinical officer at Cigna. “Our goal is to shift people who are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19 to a population with better health outcomes. Although getting the flu vaccine doesn’t protect against COVID-19, it’s still very important to get your flu shot especially this season, as it primes the immune system and may help build resistance to COVID-19. We’re proud to bring these services to communities who need them most.”

Studies show that Black/African American and Hispanic populations are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19, and also have lower flu vaccination rates. To encourage Black and Hispanic communities to get their flu shots along with other preventive measures, Cigna is teaming up with local leaders and influencers, each passionate about improving health disparities, including NBA Hall of Fame legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson singer/songwriter Prince Royce NFL legend Jason Taylor and others.

“We are losing too many loved ones to COVID-19, and that is why I’m partnering with Cigna to help people protect themselves, their families and their communities,” said Magic Johnson Enterprises Chairman and CEO Earvin “Magic” Johnson. “I know how important it is to be proactive about your health, so I’m asking people to join us at the Health Improvement Tour to get their flu shots and learn more about how to stay safe during this pandemic.”

The Health Improvement Tour is part of Cigna's S.A.F.E. campaign, which suggests four simple actions to take to keep each other healthy, safe and limit the spread of COVID-19:

• See yourself as your family’s COVID-19 protector.
• Access Cigna.com to know what to do at the first sign of symptoms.
• Find out how to help minimize your COVID-19 risk.
• Ease concerns about the cost of COVID-19 testing. No out of pocket costs for Cigna customers.

Visit our website to learn more about this tour and COVID-19 resources in Memphis, Houston and South Florida