DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A new Los Barrios Unidos clinic opened Thursday in the South Oak Cliff section of Dallas and will provide help for local residents who suffer from persistent asthma through a program made possible by a Cigna Foundation grant. The $97,000 grant is part of the Cigna Foundation’s focus on supporting non-profit organizations that are guiding at-risk individuals through the complex health care and social services systems.

The Los Barrios Promotora de Salud program is located in the new clinic at 4732 W. Illinois Ave. The program is run by community health workers, whose duties include advocating for clients with health care providers and resource agencies, making appropriate referrals, following up on referrals, assisting with individual and shared medical appointment health education classes, assisting with health fairs, and networking with community schools and organizations.

The clinic grand opening took place Thursday, with LaMonte Thomas, Cigna President and General Manager for North Texas and Oklahoma, cutting the ribbon and joining other dignitaries and speakers.

“Helping to build healthy communities is an important part of Cigna's mission, so we’re pleased to support Los Barrios and the excellent work it does,” Thomas said. “The opening of this wonderful new clinic, which aligns so well with Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings’ GrowSouth initiative to invest in and revitalize South Dallas, is an important step toward better health.”

The Promotora program has engaged 200 patients diagnosed with persistent asthma, and their families, in the first year of operation from September 2015 to September 2016. Data from the Parkland Health & Hospital System shows the impact of the Promotora has been significant, with emergency room use for asthma down by 27 percent since the Los Barrios community health worker has been involved. The Cigna grant will make it possible for the program to hire another community health worker and nursing staff.

“We know from our experience that community health workers can be the miracle workers in a community, bringing much-needed support to people who find it challenging to navigate through the complex medical and social service systems. We’re excited to see the Promotora program expanding, and to be part of that growth,” said David Figliuzzi, executive director of the Cigna Foundation.

For more information on the Los Barrios clinic, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCAnXKwCuWc&feature=youtu.be.

To read more about the Cigna Foundation, go to www.Cigna.com/Foundation.

About the Cigna Foundation

The Cigna Foundation, founded in 1962, is a private foundation funded by contributions from Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) and its subsidiaries. The Cigna Foundation supports organizations sharing its commitment to enhancing the health of individuals and families, and the well-being of their communities, with a special focus on those communities where Cigna employees live and work.

About Cigna

Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) is a global health service company dedicated to helping people improve their health, well-being and sense of security. All products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, including Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Life Insurance Company of North America and Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York. Such products and services include an integrated suite of health services, such as medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, vision, supplemental benefits, and other related products including group life, accident and disability insurance. Cigna maintains sales capability in 30 countries and jurisdictions, and has more than 90 million customer relationships throughout the world. To learn more about Cigna®, including links to follow us on Facebook or Twitter, visit www.cigna.com.