Pathways Tasmania Inc has been awarded a $17,000 grant from Medibank thanks to the votes of local Tasmanians.
The grant will enable Pathways Tasmania Inc to implement ‘Bridging the Gap – Inspiring Hope’, a youth focused program which aims to reduce drug experimentation and build awareness of services and help curb substance abuse at all levels through a supported environment.
Medibank Chief Customer Officer, Laz Cotsios said the project struck a chord with Tasmanians.
“Pathways Tasmania Inc addresses an identified health need impacting the Tasmanian community and brings Medibank’s for better health purpose to life, by encouraging young people to make positive life choices by eating healthier, exercising more and staying connected with those around them”, Mr Cotsios said.
The 2015 grants round was highly contested with more than 500 applications from community organisations around Australia and New Zealand.
From here, 33 projects were shortlisted online by councils made up of Medibank employees. The Australian community were then asked to vote for the community health program that was not only relevant to where they live but their own personal values.
“It was a really important and conscious decision for Medibank to get the Australian public involved in the grants program and give them the final say on which community health projects they needed the most.”