UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Indiana has donated $2.85 million to four organizations supporting the health and well-being of aging individuals.
The funding will help advance the direct service health workforce in Indiana. Direct service workers (DSWs) provide care, services and support to individuals who choose to age in their homes. DSWs are essential to providing long-term care, especially to seniors in underserved communities and rural areas.
“We know that investing in building a strong and sustainable direct service workforce is essential to better serve the Hoosiers who want to age in their homes and communities,” said Chris Callahan, CEO, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Indiana. “We are committed to making the health system work better for everyone by helping build a stable and well-trained workforce that delivers quality and compassionate person-centered care.”
UnitedHealthcare’s funding will support the following organizations:
- Indiana Association for Home & Hospice Care will receive $1.1 million for an assistance program that provides benefits to DSWs, including funding for child care, car repairs, gas money, financial well-being and other needs.
- Ivy Tech Community College will receive $1 million for a DSW Pathway program that trains and prepares juniors and seniors in high school to enter the direct service workforce after high school.
- Mobile Integrated Health-Community Paramedicine will receive $250,000 to employ community paramedics in Montgomery County to improve home health for individuals age 60 and over.
- Indiana University School of Medicine Geriatrics will receive $500,000 for a Project Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) initiative and Learning Collaborative to share know-how among providers.
