Lewiston-based Community Health Options, the state’s only nonprofit, member-led health insurance organization, has awarded grants to eight Maine nonprofit agencies working in community health.

The eight grant recipients include Bangor Region YMCA, Town of Cranberry Isles Fire & Rescue Auxiliary, Mid-Coast Health Net in Rockland, National Alliance of Mental Health (NAMI) Maine in Hallowell, Defend Our Health in Portland, Healthy Community Coalition in Farmington, Healthy Acadia in Ellsworth, and New Mainers Public Health Initiative in Lewiston.

“We had a tremendous response to this round of grants, with 33 organizations submitting applications,” said Kevin Lewis, president and CEO of Health Options, according to the release. “Working with our grant advisory council and learning about these organizations provided just a glimpse of the incredible number of significant community health initiatives taking place in our state, ranging from testing and treating contaminants in well water to providing better access to telemedicine and reducing second-hand smoke exposure.”

Now in its second year of funding, the mission of Health Options’ giving program is to support community-based health and wellness in Maine. This grant cycle focused on Maine nonprofit organizations working to mitigate some factors that lead to the chronic health conditions and assist Mainers managing chronic illness to be their best selves — mentally, physically, and emotionally.