UnitedHealth Group partnered with the Lake Street Council last summer to establish a $1 million Healthy Lake Street Fund to ensure core health and medical services on Lake Street damaged in the aftermath of civil unrest in Minneapolis can continue to serve members of the community. The Lake Street Council is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization which engages, serves and advocates for the Lake Street community in Minneapolis to ensure the vitality and prosperity of the commercial corridor.
How it Works
Just over $750,000 of UnitedHealth Group’s $1 million grant has been administered through the fund to date. Grant recipients include:
- Apex Dental Systems
- Chicago Lake Dental
- Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio (CLUES)
- Diamonds Home Health Care
- Midtown Eye Care
- Healing Path Wellness Services PA
- Neighborhood Development Center
- Nicholas Zimet, L.Ac. Acupuncture
- Premier Health of South Minneapolis
- Seward Pharmacy
In addition to the grant, UnitedHealth Group is providing pro bono consulting support to help program partners improve operational efficiency to serve more families in need.
“There are many businesses along Lake Street that provide essential health services and goods to members of our community, both of which are especially critical during a pandemic,” said Allison Sharkey, executive director of the Lake Street Council. “We are thankful for these businesses that serve our neighborhood and to UnitedHealth Group for its generous donation that made these grants possible.”
Why it Matters
This partnership is among several initiatives by UnitedHealth Group to help rebuild the Twin Cities, to address health equity in the wake of George Floyd’s tragic death last year, as well as support people amid the pandemic. Following the historic civil unrest, UnitedHealth Group announced commitments in June 2020 to support Mr. Floyd’s family, help Minneapolis-St. Paul businesses rebuild, and fund efforts to advance equity and inclusivity in the Twin Cities community.
“Ensuring that everyone has access to the physical and mental health resources they need is critical to the collective health and success of a community,” said Dirk McMahon, president and chief operating officer of UnitedHealth Group. “We are honored to support the Lake Street Council and its Healthy Lake Street Fund and anticipate these grants will be useful for small businesses and nonprofits continuing to rebuild along the Lake Street corridor, corridor, and for the people who rely on their services.”
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