United Health Foundation partnership helps improve pediatric care in the Twin Cities

While Minnesota is considered one of the healthiest states according to America's Health Rankings, some children in the state face significant health challenges, particularly in the areas of asthma, mental health and vaccinations.

In underserved communities, asthma rates and severity are higher. Research associates this difference with social factors such as income levels, housing quality, and exposure to environmental elements like air pollution and allergens.

To address these disparities, the United Health Foundation, established by UnitedHealth Group in 1999 as a nonprofit, private foundation, partnered with Children's Minnesota in 2022 to launch a three-year, $3 million grant initiative. The goal: improve pediatric health outcomes by bringing care directly to families and addressing the social drivers of health - factors like housing, food access, transportation and legal aid - that account for nearly 80% of health outcomes.

At the heart of this initiative is Community Connect, a program that pairs families with resource navigators who offer personalized, ongoing support to help them access essential services, build stability and improve their overall health.

"Our partnership with Children's Minnesota is a powerful example of what's possible when we listen, collaborate and invest in local solutions. Together, we're helping to build healthier communities and creating a network of support that families can count on."

Anne Yau | president, United Health Foundation

Navigators like Zuzi - who now leads outreach across four Children's Minnesota clinics in Minneapolis, St. Paul, West St. Paul and Brooklyn Park - meet families during visits, assess needs and stay connected. "We're building relationships, providing food, diapers and support when life happens. It's not a one-time transaction," Zuzi says.

Navigators often collaborate with clinicians, social workers and front desk staff to ensure families receive holistic support.

"We're seeing more families in survival mode," Zuzi says. "They're overwhelmed. Our job is to lighten that load, one resource at a time."

Esti, a seasoned navigator, describes her role as deeply personal. "We're not clinicians, but we're part of the care team," she says. "We meet families where they are. Our role is to help connect the dots to make sure no one falls through the cracks."

Whether it's finding food, arranging transportation or simply listening, she is committed. Her empathy stems from lived experience. "We've all struggled," she says. "That's why we connect so deeply with the families. We've been there."

Perhaps no story illustrates the impact of Community Connect better than that of Jessica. Once a client of the program, Jessica now serves as a navigator. "I was 19, a single mom, and scared to ask for help," she recalls. "Esti was my navigator. She didn't judge me - she helped me find legal support, get my GED and eventually graduate from St. Kate's University."

Today, Jessica helps other families navigate the same challenges she once faced. "They ask me, 'Will I have to pay for this?' I tell them, 'No. It's free. We're here to help.'"

Her journey from client to professional is a testament to the program's transformative power. "Jessica is a lion," Esti says proudly. "She's proof that when families are supported, they thrive."

Real impact, measurable change

The partnership between the United Health Foundation and Children's Minnesota has helped reduce asthma disparities by 29% among at-risk children and engaged over 450 school health professionals, helping extend its reach beyond clinics and into classrooms.

"By addressing gaps in care and improving outcomes for all, we are helping make the health system work better for everyone," said Dr. Abigail Miller, CMO, UnitedHealthcare Employer & Individual, Minnesota.

Support from the United Health Foundation also funds training, data integration and the hiring of more navigators to meet growing demand. Families from clinics in Hugo and Maple Grove are now requesting services.

The grant has enabled partnerships with organizations like Every Meal, allowing families to leave clinics with not just prescriptions, but also dinner. "We're meeting families where they are," says Zuzi. "And making sure they don't walk out empty-handed."

"By addressing gaps in care and improving outcomes for all, we are helping make the health system work better for everyone."

Dr. Abigail Miller | chief medical officer, UnitedHealthcare Employer & Individual

Support from the United Health Foundation also funds training, data integration and the hiring of more navigators to meet growing demand. Families from clinics in Hugo and Maple Grove are now requesting services.

The grant has enabled partnerships with organizations like Every Meal, allowing families to leave clinics with not just prescriptions, but also dinner. "We're meeting families where they are," says Zuzi. "And making sure they don't walk out empty-handed."