Allina Health Caring for Caregivers Fund Receives Over Half a Million in Leadership Contributions to Support Employees

MINNEAPOLIS (April 21, 2020) — Even as Minnesota and Wisconsin continue to see increasing cases of coronavirus (COVID-19), many health care workers are experiencing the same financial stress that is facing other sectors. In response, Allina Health’s leadership team, board members and staff are pledging their financial support to help fellow Allina Health employees, especially during the COVID-19 response. The Caring for Caregivers fund offers immediate financial support to Allina Health employees. All community donations up to $1 million will be matched dollar for dollar through Allina Health donations, championed by leadership, thereby doubling the impact of each gift.

“Allina Health is 29,000 caregivers strong. From our health care workers on the front lines, to the heroes behind the scenes who make our essential services possible. Every employee has a role in helping take care of our communities,” said Lisa Shannon, Allina Health’s chief operating officer. “We want to show our appreciation, by helping take care of them.”

The Caring for Caregivers fund is available to Allina Health employees who can apply for support to cover mortgage or rent expenses, car payments, child care, utility expenses and other financial hardship that may arise. The community is invited to participate in the Caring for Caregivers campaign in several ways:

• Financially supporting the campaign by making a gift at allinahealth.org/GiveCare;
• Donating personal protective equipment or meals for caregivers;
• Purchasing lawn signs and other items from our Caring for Caregivers online store to show support and gratitude;
• Staying at home and other gestures of kindness to honor ALL caregivers.

“Protecting the physical, emotional and financial security of our employees has never been more important,” said Shannon. “Whole Person Care is an important part of who we are, and we thank the community for their overwhelming support and generosity as we navigate these unprecedented times together.”

The fund is part of Allina Health’s Caring for Caregivers program. Other ways that Allina Health is caring for its caregivers is:

• COVID leave (two weeks’ pay, waived short-term disability waiting period) for any employee prohibited from working due to non-work related exposure (travel, family member who is ill, etc.)
• Increased focus in supporting the mental wellness of our caregivers
• Bright Horizons back-up child care opened to all employees and reimbursed; YMCA child care also reimbursed
• Shipt grocery delivery benefit expanded to all employees

A television spot highlighting the Caring for Caregivers campaign begins airing on local stations today and features a number of Allina Health employees.

Allina Health is dedicated to the prevention and treatment of illness and enhancing the greater health of individuals, families and communities throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. A not-for-profit health care system, Allina Health cares for patients from beginning to end-of-life through its 90+ clinics, 10 hospitals / 13 campuses, 15 retail pharmacies, and many specialty care centers and specialty medical services, home care, and emergency medical transportation services.