UnitedHealth Group has announced an expanded partnership with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), investing $4 million to grow its "Health Center" model from five existing locations to 13 by the end of 2027. This expansion will provide more Tennessee residents with access to preventive care, chronic disease management, and community health resources across the state.
Since 2022, UnitedHealth Group has contributed nearly $2 million to support this model's development. The health centers, staffed by health coaches, offer screenings and management services for conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. In Memphis and Shelby County, a pilot program has served over 4,000 people with more than 20,000 visits, with over half of participants achieving effective blood pressure control.
The key goals of the new investment are twofold: first, to expand the Tennessee Health Center network to 13 sites, reaching 200,000 residents; and second, to partner with UTHSC’s College of Nursing and College of Medicine to expand rural community healthcare career pathways, including rural physician assistants, nurse practitioners/nurse midwives, and health coaches/doulas.
Dr. Peter Buckley, Chancellor of UTHSC, stated that this philanthropic investment helps drive a transformation in healthcare delivery across the state, bringing preventive care, health education, and support services directly to residents. This expansion is part of the United Health Foundation's "Healthy Communities" initiative, which launched with an initial $20 million investment to support community healthcare models nationwide.
Danielle Gray, Executive Vice President of UnitedHealth Group and President of the United Health Foundation, emphasized that building a healthier Tennessee requires sustained collaboration and investment in community-led solutions. Dr. Jim Bailey, Director of the UTHSC Population Health Alliance, noted that every community needs a nearby health center to achieve healthier cities, states, and a healthier nation.
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