Celebrating Grandparents Appreciation Month in North Carolina
In September 2024, UnitedHealthcare Community & State celebrated Grandparents Appreciation Month with a series of events and resources in support of grandparents and their families. As caregivers to 8 million children across the U.S., grandparents in "grandfamilies" often face unique health, social and financial challenges.1,2 Grandparents raising grandchildren are more likely to experience food insecurity, exacerbating their inability to provide nutritious meals.3 For these grandparents, balancing caregiving responsibilities with their own health and financial stability can be difficult. Recognizing these obstacles, UnitedHealthcare took proactive steps to address these needs and promote overall family well-being.
Charlotte, North Carolina, was one of six locations across the country to host a special event in honor of Grandparents Appreciation Month. Held at the Southview Recreation Center on Tuesday, September 17, the event featured a collaboration with Carolina Panthers football center Austin Corbett, who joined in recognizing and supporting grandparents. The celebration offered a variety of activities, including appearances by Dr. Health E. Hound, UnitedHealthcare’s health advocate mascot for children, along with food, music, chair massages, gaming centers and cooking demonstrations. Special zones were created for grandparents and youth to interact and share experiences.
In addition to the entertainment, the event provided essential health and wellness resources for families, including tips for building emotional skills and fostering lifelong healthy habits. Roughly 200 people attended the event, with UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of North Carolina distributing 300 dinner boxes and 225 fresh produce boxes to attendees, further supporting family nutrition.
UnitedHealthcare also created the "Grandfamilies Guide to Good Health", offering practical tips to help families make healthier meal choices, save on grocery costs and stay on top of preventive care. The guide provides ideas for enjoying family time and helping families build stronger emotional connections.
Through its efforts during Grandparents Appreciation Month, UnitedHealthcare Community & State demonstrated a commitment to improving the health and well-being of grandfamilies. By offering resources, celebratory events and practical support, UnitedHealthcare continues to address the unique challenges faced by this population, helping them live healthier lives.
