Reps. Boyd, Howse & Crossman applaud UnitedHealthcare's $1.1M grant to Cleveland-area nonprofits

State Reps. Janine Boyd (D-Cleveland Heights), Stephanie Howse (D-Cleveland), and Jeff Crossman (D-Parma) today applauded the recently announced expansion of services to Cleveland-area nonprofits through the release of $1.1 million dollar grant provided by UnitedHealthcare, Inc.

“As a legislator with a background in nonprofit advocacy, I know that the work nonprofits provide across communities is invaluable. Whether serving youth, seniors or families, addressing barriers to healthy development, preventative care, education, work training and job placement, housing or any other basic need or social determinant, nonprofits are a vital part of our collective humanity and success. I'm pleased to announce this funding awards $1.1 million for these nonprofits, and I trust that this funding will enhance and expand the work already in progress.”—said Rep. Janine Boyd.

The grants awarded are as follows:

—$500,000 to the Ohio Association of Foodbanks to fund new and leased refrigerated trucks, refrigerators and freezers at food banks and pantries across the state, and resources for safely handling and effectively marketing fresh produce.

—$260,000 to East End Neighborhood House to fund two 15-passenger vans and on-demand ride services through Uber Health in order to address transportation barriers and social isolation for youth and seniors in Cleveland's Greater Buckeye neighborhood.

—$250,000 to Hellen Keller International to provide school- and community-based vision screenings, comprehensive eye exams and glasses to low-income children and adults in Northeast Ohio.

—$95,000 to Senior Citizen Resources to fund two vans to replace outdated vehicles and to expand access to transportation services for seniors in Northeast Ohio.

“I am pleased to applaud the Ohio Association of Foodbanks and East End Neighborhood House on receiving United Health Care Northeast Ohio community grants; the grants will assist in their efforts to expand services in transportation, youth and senior citizen resources, and access to healthy food. When the United Health Care Corporation works with local organizations, it not only strengthens our youth and seniors in House District 11, it also ensures all Ohioans come first.” —said Rep. Stephanie Howse (D-Cleveland)

UnitedHealthcare, Inc. is working with the nonprofits as part of its “Empowering Health initiative” which is focused on expanding access to care and addressing the social determinants of health for people in underserved communities.

“We appreciate United Healthcare’s dedication to helping our nonprofits meet our residents’ healthcare needs. I am particularly pleased to see United Healthcare’s support for supplying food pantries with the resources they need to continue serving their clients. Access to healthy foods mean healthy outcomes and emergency food resources are not typically considered in the same conversation as health care providers so this is certainly welcome and appreciated.”–said Rep. Jeff Crossman (D-Parma)

Since 2016, UnitedHealthcare, Inc. has awarded a total of $8.5 million to help nonprofits expand access to care, fresh produce, and remove barriers to health for people and communities.