MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The United Health Foundation, the philanthropic foundation of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), and Children’s Minnesota today announced a three-year grant partnership of 3 million families in the sister cities.
The partnership will support Children’s Minnesota, a non-profit organization and the largest pediatric provider in the state. The initiative will provide culturally-responsive health interventions with existing community partners as well as local public school districts. The program is being developed with Children’s Minnesota’s Collective for Community Health, which focuses on improving community health and promoting health equity through collaboration between The Kid ExpertsTM by Children’s Minnesota and community partners. The announcement was made today at the Phyllis Wheatley Community Center in Minneapolis.
“Together with Children’s Minnesota and other community partners, the United Health Foundation is committed to reducing health inequalities, increasing access to health care, and improving outcomes for underserved children and their families,” said Victor Fields, chief executive officer, United Healthcare Community Plan of Minnesota. “We are honored to partner with Children’s Minnesota to meet the essential health needs of families in our communities.”
Since 2018, Children’s Minnesota has tracked health equity metrics in a unique pediatric health equity dashboard to identify and act on differences in processes and patient outcomes. Data from the dashboard shows that black children living in underserved neighborhoods in the Twin Cities have significant health disparities and are less likely to achieve well-controlled asthma and receive routine childhood immunizations and have significantly lower adolescent mental health screenings.
“We are grateful for the investment and partnership of the United Health Foundation in our commitment as children’s experts to address the health inequalities affecting thousands of children and families in our community,” said Jennifer Soderholm, senior vice president, chief development officer and President of the Children’s Minnesota Foundation. “Partnerships like this are critical to our efforts to improve access to essential health services and address the needs of all children and families.”
UnitedHealth Group, the United Health Foundation and their collaborators have collectively committed $50 million to support the Twin Cities community since 2020.
About Children Minnesota
Children’s Minnesota is one of the largest pediatric health systems in the United States and the only health system in Minnesota serving exclusively children from birth through young adulthood. Children’s Minnesota has been an independent, not-for-profit system since 1924, serving children throughout the upper Midwest at two independent hospitals, nine primary care clinics, several specialty clinics, and seven rehabilitation centers. As the child expertsTM Children’s Minnesota is consistently ranked among the top children’s hospitals in our area by US News & World Report.
About the United Health Foundation
Through collaborations with community partners, grants, and outreach, United Health Foundation works to improve the health system, build a diverse and vibrant health workforce, and improve the well-being of local communities. The United Health Foundation was established in 1999 by UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) as a non-profit, private foundation dedicated to improving health and healthcare. To date, the United Health Foundation has committed more than $700 million to programs and communities around the world. To learn more, visit www.UnitedHealthFoundation.org.
