Rocky Mountain Health Plans, a UnitedHealthcare company, has made a $25 million contribution to the Rocky Mountain Health Foundation to fund STEM education among young women and people of color as well as increase access to healthcare to underserved communities across the Western Slope. The donation will significantly aid the Foundation’s efforts to identify and help eliminate disparities that keep people from a healthy life.
“This remarkable donation paves the way to do more good things on the Western Slope,” said Pat Riddell, chair of the Rocky Mountain Health Foundation.
“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,” said Patrick Gordon, CEO of Rocky Mountain Health Plans. “This investment will significantly strengthen the resources and impact of the Rocky Mountain Health Foundation, whose mission we share.”
RMHF makes grants in 22 western slope counties and prioritizes funding to organizations that will bring health equity to people living in geographically remote areas, low-income individuals and families, marginalized and vulnerable populations. Investments are targeted to mental and physical health services, and basic needs such as food, housing, and transportation.
Riddell said the additional money will allow it to increase those annual grants to about $3.4 million a year. “That’s awesome,” she said. “This allows us as a foundation and the nonprofits we collaborate with to have a greater impact as we work to improve the health and well-being of people on the Western Slope.”
RMHF values the spirit of experimentation and collaboration. With this donation, the organization plans to dream big and be creative, innovative, and flexible in approaches to move the needle on one of western Colorado’s toughest issues.