UnitedHealthcare has awarded $114,500 to seven Iowa organizations to enhance health outcomes by addressing social determinants of health. This funding aligns with UnitedHealthcare’s goal to positively impact underserved communities and improve access to essential resources.
Marsha Connor, CEO of UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Iowa, emphasized the need for additional support in key areas to better health outcomes, stating, “We are honored to support these vital community organizations in connecting Iowans with necessary resources.”
The grant recipients and their projects are:
- Knock and Drop Iowa: $20,000 for a program providing hot meals and fresh produce to those experiencing food insecurity.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness Iowa: $20,000 for the Ending the Silence program at summer camps, which helps individuals recognize and discuss mental health issues.
- Iowa Homeless Youth Centers: $25,000 to support youth experiencing homelessness through employment, education, living skills, community engagement, and safe housing.
- Homeward: $10,000 to aid individuals over 65 at risk of homelessness with resources to secure or maintain permanent housing.
- Jai Olive Wellness: $10,000 for perinatal mental health, lactation support, and postpartum care for Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, and Black community members.
- Mosaic of Central Iowa: $20,000 to expand its host home program for individuals with disabilities, providing 24/7 support and community integration.
- Link Associates: $9,500 for an educational program promoting a healthy lifestyle for adults with intellectual disabilities.
Zuli Garcia, CEO of Knock and Drop Iowa, remarked, “This grant will enhance our capacity to provide essential nutritional resources to under-resourced communities.”
Ryan Crane, Executive Director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Iowa, added, “The funding for our Ending the Silence program will significantly benefit many children in need of mental health resources.”
UnitedHealthcare also recently announced an investment to expand school-based virtual mental health services, targeting around 100,000 K-12 students across several Iowa school districts.
With over 1,400 employees in Iowa, UnitedHealthcare serves more than 450,000 residents through various plans, supported by a network of 126 hospitals and approximately 21,483 healthcare providers.
