Substance use disorders have a significant impact on families and communities across Missouri. In the St. Louis region alone, over 1,400 residents lost their lives to a drug overdose in 2024.1 Behind these numbers are individuals seeking stability, recovery and a renewed sense of purpose. To help meet this growing need, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Missouri served as a Presenting Sponsor of the Third Annual St. Louis Recovery Month, hosted in collaboration with Haven Recovery, the region’s leading provider of behavioral health and homelessness services. Through this sponsorship, UnitedHealthcare helped expand outreach, provide resources and celebrate recovery throughout a series of community events.
Supporting recovery through connection and celebration
Recovery Month kicked off with Recovery Day at the ballpark on Sept. 21, where UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Missouri provided 50 St. Louis Cardinals tickets to Every Child’s Hope (ECH), a nonprofit serving children and families impacted by trauma and mental health conditions. The event brought together individuals in recovery, families and community collaborators for a day of celebration and encouragement.
Expanding awareness and resources
On Sept. 27, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Missouri team members joined the Resource Fair and Community Carnival, the region’s largest recovery-focused event. Attendees connected with local organizations offering mental health support, housing resources, employment services and wellness programs. The event also featured games, music and a community meal, highlighting the importance of connection in the recovery journey.
By participating as a vendor, UnitedHealthcare shared information about Medicaid coverage and member health benefits, helping attendees understand how to access care and support for themselves or loved ones.
Giving back through service
The month concluded with Recovery Give Back Day on Sept. 30, where 10 UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Missouri volunteers packed and delivered meals to people experiencing homelessness. Volunteers also assembled hygiene kits containing essential personal items, nonperishable foods and Narcan, an emergency medication used to reverse opioid overdoses.
Building stronger, healthier communities
Through sponsorship, volunteerism and local collaboration, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Missouri is helping strengthen the foundation for recovery in St. Louis. Together with Haven Recovery, Every Child’s Hope and other community organizations, these efforts provide both immediate resources and lasting encouragement to individuals who are rebuilding their lives. UnitedHealthcare remains committed to helping Missourians access the care and support they need to live healthier lives.
To learn more about how we support our members, visit our Missouri profile page.
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