Health equity advocates are cheering the announcement by United Health Foundation that is has awarded a $2 million grant to support a partnership with Rainbow Health, a non-profit organization in Minnesota dedicated to serving the LGBTQ+ community, HIV patients, and people who are unable to access equitable healthcare.
The three-year collaboration aims to address disparities related to, among other mental health challenges, suicide, depression, and stress among LGBTQ+ and BIPOC youth and young adults ages 14-25.
A recent CDC report revealed that in the past year, nearly 70% of LGBQ+ youth had ongoing feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and nearly a quarter of them attempted suicide.
The initiative funded by the grant will provide over 250 individuals with culturally sensitive, robust mental health care and substance use services. Additionally, they will be linked with support facilities like transitional housing, health insurance, and transportation assistance.
By increasing access to mental health care for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC youth in the Twin Cities, the grant highlights United Health Foundation’s dedication to promoting health equity and enhancing health outcomes.
