UnitedHealth Group’s Rocky Mountain Health Plans has announced a $30 million pledge to address important health issues in Colorado. Funds will be used for youth mental health support services which, according to America’s Health Rankings, have been classified as a need in the state. In addition, funds will be funded in education to help grow and diversify the future health workforce.
- Top preference – Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, whose office helped promote contributions to several nonprofits in Colorado, said that addressing youth mental health was a top preference of the attorney general’s office before the pandemic — and is even more urgent after its impact. “This $30 million investment in education and mental health for young Coloradans has the power to change the lives of thousands. I am pleased to partner with Rocky Mountain Health Plans to support youth mental health, increase healthy outcomes, and decrease the use of the criminal justice system to address behavioral health challenges — now and in the future.”
- Funding STEM Education – The donation includes a $25 million contribution to the Rocky Mountain Health Foundation to fund STEM education among young women and people of color as well as other programs across the Western Slope. An additional $5 million is being used to establish the “Healthy Youth/Strong Colorado Fund” in cooperation with the Colorado attorney general’s office.
- Extraordinary Donation – Pat Riddell, chair of the Rocky Mountain Health Foundation, said this “extraordinary” donation paves the way to do more good things on the Western Slope. “We are very grateful and look forward to partnering with Rocky Mountain Health Plans and UnitedHealthcare to connect people with the programs and services they need to live healthier and happier lives.”
- Grant Partnerships – Initial grant partnerships formalized and funded with the $5 million Healthy Youth/Strong Colorado Fund includes $1,800,000 to Mile High Youth Corps, Rocky Mountain Youth Corps, and Western Colorado Conservation Corps to provide a new criminal justice diversion program promoting employment, education, mental health support, and service opportunities to youth; $1,500,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs in Colorado; $500,000 to Sources of Strength; $400,000 to The Center on Colfax; and $400,000 to The Place.
- Long-standing Commitment – Patrick Gordon, CEO of Rocky Mountain Health Plans, said this donation reflects Rocky Mountain Health Plans’ long-standing commitment in Colorado. “We are honored to work with Colorado’s leaders to address the urgent challenges we face, such as the need for better access to behavioral health care. We are committed to creating opportunities for all Coloradans to achieve their full potential.”