While we’re living in a digital world, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Louisiana recognizes the hardships this may pose for individuals who don’t have access to smart phones, laptops and high-speed technology.
To solution for this challenge, the team has been providing key partners dedicated to serving the underserved with laptops for eight years.
Since 2013, the team has donated 646 laptops to 61 community partners statewide as part of the Community Computers Program. Community Computers helps community and faith-based organizations establish their own on-site computer labs with refurbished computers donated by UnitedHealthcare.
At some of these organizations, individuals may be able to use the computers for personal use to:
- Fill out necessary forms to obtain or renew health insurance or assistance benefits
- Complete job training programs or employment applications
- Participate in college classes or submit schoolwork
- Gain access to social services like food assistance, housing and other resources
- Utilize telehealth services to maintain care appointments
Other organizations may use the computers to support programming they have in place as part of the community supports and services they offer.
"The board of directors of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Information Center of Louisiana is very grateful for the donation of these laptops and looks forward to working with the wonderful staff at UnitedHealthcare," said Kathy Coleman, Executive Director, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Information Center of Louisiana, Baton Rouge. "Grandparents come to our office to work one-on-one with staff who can teach them computer skills and help them do things like check their email or learn about different programs. The grandparents have been so very happy to have this one-on-one training on the laptops. It’s been so beneficial and helpful to our families."
For the Family strong Foundation in St. Landry Parish, the computer donation came in 2017 and was initially used for their senior computer classes. Thanks to the technology they received, staff were able to stay connected with the participants through virtual classes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
If individuals are unable to access resources, schedule appointments or obtain necessities then they are less likely to prioritize their health. At UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Louisiana, we are continuously evaluating the immediate needs of the communities we serve. We will continue to deploy innovative programming to improve access and quality of life for all Louisianans.
NOVA Staff Doris Britton (Regional Program Coordinator), Juanita Woods (Deputy Director & Director of Programs & Participant Servcies), Monohn Prud’homme (Support Services Coordinator) and Paul West (Executive Director) with a Community Computers donation to support their job training programming.
