Affinia Healthcare is proud to announce it has received a grant for $63,000 from the Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis.

The Immigrant Health and Support Services grant will be used to improve access and utilization of healthcare services for more than 1,200 newly arrived immigrants and refugees by helping these new residents connect to Affinia Healthcare’s medical, dental, behavioral health and other providers.

“Affinia Healthcare is grateful for the support of the Lutheran Foundation which allows us to continue our mission of reaching underserved populations in the St. Louis area,” said Dr. Kendra Holmes, President & CEO, Affinia Healthcare. “These funds will allow our new neighbors to access needed and high-quality healthcare services in a welcoming environment as they transition to their new home.”

Affinia Healthcare serves as the primary care home for most of the newly arrived refugees and other immigrants who often lack health insurance access, caring for over 4,000 immigrants on an annual basis. During 2022, Affinia Healthcare saw more than 700 new refugees and anticipates approximately 800 new arrivals in the current fiscal year (Oct. 22, 2022 – Sept. 30, 2023), the majority being from Afghanistan, in addition to other immigrants. The number of new immigrant patients at Affinia Healthcare is expected to significantly increase in the next 12 months, as the International Institute of St. Louis, the local refugee relocation agency, anticipates receiving another 800 Afghan refugees and other refugees.

Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis is the grant-making ministry of 74 St. Louis area Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod congregations. The Foundation’s vision is to see the Church brought into the lives of hurting people and people included in the healing life of the Church.