UnitedHealthcare Supports Lung Health, COVID-19 Action Initiative in New Orleans

Today, the American Lung Association in Louisiana announced that UnitedHealthcare has signed on as the presenting sponsor of the virtual LUNG FORCE Walk. This is the 10^th year that the company has sponsored the event.

The LUNG FORCE Walk will take place Sept. 7-30 and encourage Louisiana residents to head outdoors to one of the many beautiful parks or trails to complete their walk. During the event, the Lung Association will offer weekly challenges for participants such as wearing turquoise, walking 1.8 miles and supporting local businesses. Previously, the event was held at Audubon Park, but was re-imagined as an exciting virtual experience to promote social distancing.

“Through events like the LUNG FORCE Walk, we are able to fund our work to improve air quality, educate residents on lung health and COVID-19, and help people who suffer from lung disease,” said Sharon Gwin, development manager for the Lung Association. “But we can’t do it alone. Our partnership with UnitedHealthcare helps us provide vital support to the New Orleans community and residents throughout Louisiana. From funding asthma education, to providing resources to those suffering from lung cancer, this support makes people’s lives better every day.”

UnitedHealthcare is a Fortune 50 health and well-being company that offers health benefit programs for individuals, employers, and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. The company contracts directly with more than 1.2 million physicians and care professionals, and 6,500 hospitals and other care facilities nationwide.

“It is key to our company mission to support the communities where so many of our employees work and live. The American Lung Association’s work to support clean air and healthy lungs affects us all, so we are proud to be involved with the LUNG FORCE Walk,” said Christine O’Brien, Executive Director of UnitedHealthcare Louisiana and Mississippi. “We hope to see our community come together virtually for a fun and inspiring event.”

Money raised at the Virtual LUNG FORCE Walk will fund the Lung Association’s efforts to end lung cancer and lung disease, as well as support he Lung Association’s COVID-19 Action Initiative. The COVID-19 Action Initiative is a $25 million investment to address COVID-19 and protect against future respiratory virus pandemics. The initiative works with public and private entities to increase research collaboration and develop new vaccines, detection tests and treatment therapies.

Registration for the virtual LUNG FORCE Walk is free, but fundraising is encouraged. Residents can get more information and register at the New Orleans LUNG FORCE Walk website.