On behalf of a local collaborative of nonprofit providers and community groups, Tidewell Hospice has received a grant from Manatee County to facilitate a countywide initiative that will bring together community partners to protect the health and well-being of at-risk residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, known as the Multicultural Action Team (MAT). Tidewell will serve as administrator of the $342,000 grant, distributed through the Manatee County CARES Community and Wellness fund. The MAT is a collective impact project – a project in which multiple partners share common goals, execute common strategies and achieve collective results for a community goal. “Tidewell Hospice is pleased to be a key partner with MHI and others to address the disparities of COVID 19 among minority populations,” Tidewell President and CEO Jonathan Fleece said. “Through our newly formed Tidewell Foundation, we plan to actively engage even more in the future in health issues impacting our community. Now more than ever is a time to reinforce our commitment to equality, service and love for humanity, with a special focus on helping at-risk people during this pandemic.”