Monique Knight, Director, Marketing & Community Outreach, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of CA

UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of California has made a $1.5 million investment in community-based programs aimed to reduce health disparities and improve health equity in San Diego County. The funding will support initiatives from 17 local organizations, 13 of which are Live Well San Diego Recognized Partners, to address health needs and access to care in underserved communities.

“The COVID pandemic has shed an even brighter light on health equity and the unique challenges that many people face, such as getting to the doctor’s office,” said Monique Knight, Director of Marketing and Community Outreach for UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of California. “If transportation is an issue, for example, then it affects access to basic healthcare, vaccines, and more. Mobile units are one solution to this particular challenge.  We are proud that our funding has contributed to improved access, including mobile care capabilities for several organizations.”

Family Health Centers of San Diego received funding for the purchase of two electric mobile unit "Tiger Teams" that will provide basic primary care, vaccinations, and other mobile-capable services in underserved communities. They will focus on populations unable to leave their home to access care.

"We are grateful for UnitedHealthcare's support of our Tiger Team Project," said Fran Butler-Cohen, CEO, Family Health Centers of San Diego. “With this funding, our mobile health care team will bring critical care to vulnerable, low-income San Diegans in their own homes, ensuring they maintain optimal health.”

UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of California will also collaborate with each of the local organizations to target specific population health issues, including homelessness, mental health in schools, health education and outreach, and access to primary care services and vaccinations.

“Addressing health equity requires intentional actions by government, nonprofits, and the private sector,” said Nathan Fletcher, Chair, County of San Diego Board of Supervisors. “I am excited UnitedHealthcare has committed to using its resources to support 17 entities who are on the frontlines of behavioral health, helping the unsheltered, and uplifting our youth.”

The funding will provide support to Cajon Valley Union School District, Champions for Health, Chicano Federation of San Diego County, Family Health Centers of San Diego, Father Joe’s Villages, HealthCorps, Interfaith Community Services, La Maestra Community Health Centers, Neighborhood Healthcare, Oceanside Unified School District, San Diego County Promotores Coalition, San Diego Rescue Mission, San Diego Youth Services, San Ysidro Health, SAY San Diego, SBCS, and TrueCare.