Corporate Partner Spotlight: Jennifer Mandel

In our monthly Corporate Partner Spotlight, we speak with corporate leaders about what inspires them to serve as advocates and ambassadors for children's health. This month, we spoke with Jennifer Mandel, vice president of social responsibility at UnitedHealth Group.

Jennifer moved from Chicago to Washington, D.C., to pursue a career in government and politics. She eventually shifted to focus on creating positive social change outside the public sector. Her two children relied on Children's National specialty care locations, and Jennifer shares the hospital's commitment to extend access to care for community members who need it most.

How has United Health Foundation supported Children's National over the years?

United Health Foundation, the philanthropic arm of UnitedHealth Group, has a long-standing relationship with Children's National. Several years ago, we partnered on a new effort to improve access to integrated health care for school-aged kids in Washington, D.C.'s most under-resourced communities. This is a unique program - bringing together a team of nurses from DC Public Schools, community health workers and mobile medical services.

As a result of this effort, children receive well-child visits, including vaccinations and screenings for vision, hearing and behavioral and developmental health. The program also aims to reduce school absenteeism among chronically absent students by connecting families to health supports and social services.

What motivates you to personally make an impact with Children's National?

I have the honor of managing our grant partnership with Children's National and seeing the impact first-hand. I am also lucky to have two healthy kids, but we have certainly been grateful to access the breadth and depth of Children's National specialty services in the past.

I'll never forget how comfortable the care team in Rockville, MD made my then three-year-old daughter feel when she needed to get X-rays following an injury.

What's the most rewarding part of your work with Children's National?

Nothing beats seeing and hearing about how this program is improving the lives of families in Washington, D.C.

The region is rich with health resources, but many of the most vulnerable individuals haven't had access to those resources in the past. Our partnership with Children's National is one of the ways United Health Foundation works to increase access to care and reduce the many disparities in our nation's capital.

I also have the pleasure of engaging with the incredible team at Children's National on a regular basis. The passion they have for their work and the people they serve is unmatched.