Essentia helps equip students for success

Supporting children and families is a year-round priority for Essentia Health. Over the past year, Essentia team members and leaders partnered with United Way of Cass-Clay to ensure students across the Fargo-Moorhead community had the supplies they need to succeed in school — an important part of Essentia's mission to make a healthy difference in people's lives.

Essentia proudly served as a “Hero Sponsor” of the 27th annual United Way of Cass Clay School Supply Drive for the fourth consecutive year, contributing $15,000 toward the goal of providing 6,500 local students with backpacks filled with essential supplies. Thousands of items were collected throughout the metro, helping students start the school year prepared and confident.

Essentia’s commitment extended beyond financial support. Team members volunteered at a packing event, where they helped unbox backpacks and fill hundreds of pencil cases with thousands of supplies for young learners. Many staff members volunteered their own time, demonstrating a strong culture of service and community care.

Recognizing that student needs continue throughout the school year, Essentia stepped forward again with an additional $6,000 contribution to help address mid-year supply shortages. In partnership with United Way, more than 23,000 additional supplies were delivered to area school districts, ensuring every student — no matter when they arrive — has the tools to learn and thrive.