Optum Serve Strengthens Partnership with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation in Support of Military and Veteran Caregivers

WASHINGTON — June 23, 2026 — The Elizabeth Dole Foundation, the nation's leading organization dedicated to America's 14.3 million military and veteran caregivers, today announced a growing partnership with Optum Serve, the federal health services division of Optum and UnitedHealth Group. A proud supporter of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation since 2018, this deepened commitment marks a tenfold growth in Optum Serve's investment in empowering, supporting, and honoring the military and veteran caregivers who serve alongside America's heroes.

Military and veteran caregivers —spouses, parents, siblings, and children who have stepped into one of the most demanding roles a person can hold — face significant physical, mental, and financial health challenges, often without adequate support or recognition. Research shows they are twice as likely as non-caregivers to report fair or poor health, and far less likely to seek care for themselves despite elevated need.

"We are deeply grateful for Optum Serve's investment in military and veteran caregivers," said Steve Schwab, CEO of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. "Their support allows us to reach more caregivers with the resources and community they need to sustain themselves for the long haul. When we invest in caregivers, we invest in the strength of veterans, service members, and families across this country."

Optum Serve's support will strengthen the Foundation’s efforts to connect caregivers to direct resources where they are needed most — including efforts to connect caregivers to health and wellness resources, peer communities, economic supports, and the wraparound services that address the full scope of the caregiving experience.

"Caregivers are often the invisible patient in the exam room, present in every appointment, every difficult moment, and absorbing the weight of care responsibilities while their own health needs go unaddressed," said Ed Weinberg, Chief Executive Officer of Optum Serve. "The clinical evidence is clear -caregiver health directly affects the health of those they care for. Through our Service With Purpose Program and our partnership with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, we are strengthening access to the resources and support caregivers need to stay healthy, connected, and sustained over time. Supporting military and Veteran caregivers is sound medicine, and we are proud to advance this work together."

About the Elizabeth Dole Foundation
The Elizabeth Dole Foundation is the preeminent organization empowering, supporting, and honoring our nation’s 14.3 million military and veteran caregivers — the spouses, parents, siblings, family members, and friends who care for America’s wounded, ill or injured service members and veterans. Established by Sen. Elizabeth Dole in 2012, the foundation works to empower military and veteran caregivers, their families and their communities through programs, partnerships and advocacy that drive innovative, impactful, and sustainable solutions. Visit elizabethdolefoundation.org for more information.

About Optum Serve

Optum Serve is the federal health services business of Optum and UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH). We are proud to partner with the U.S. Departments of Veterans Affairs, War, Health and Human Services, and other organizations to help modernize the U.S. health system and improve the health and well-being of those we collectively serve.

Media Contacts

Elizabeth Dole Foundation
‍Jodi Sheedy
Chief Communications Officer
media@elizabethdolefoundation.org