Health Plan of Nevada Announces $100,000 Donation to Support Northern Nevada Wildfire Recovery
LAS VEGAS (October 7, 2026) – Health Plan of Nevada, a UnitedHealthcare company, today announced a $100,000 donation to support Northern Nevada wildfire recovery, with $50,000 directed to the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada and $50,000 directed to the Food Bank of Northern Nevada.
The funding will help local organizations address longer-term recovery and support immediate needs for residents affected by the Bug, Fred Mountain, Stallion and Hawk fires, which forced evacuations, disrupted power and food access, and damaged or destroyed homes across parts of Washoe County and the greater Reno area.
“Our hearts are with the individuals and families across Northern Nevada affected by these wildfires,” said Kimberly Sonerholm, CEO of Health Plan of Nevada. “As people begin returning home, replacing essentials and rebuilding, we are grateful for the local organizations, first responders and community partners helping meet urgent needs while supporting the longer road to recovery.”
- The Community Foundation of Northern Nevada’s 2026 Northern Nevada Wildfire Relief Fund will provide flexible support to local organizations helping residents recover, including Catholic Charities’ regional case management efforts. Funding will help address evolving needs not covered by insurance, government programs or initial disaster-relief resources.
“While these wildfires have brought immense hardship to our community, they have also shown the strength of our collective spirit,” said Eaton Dunkelberger, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada. “This critical funding provides direct support to families through local organizations, helping our neighbors recover, rebuild, and heal.”
- The Food Bank of Northern Nevada is coordinating with emergency management, the American Red Cross, community partners and volunteers to provide emergency food support as needs evolve. Assistance may include snack packs, bulk food orders, partner pantry support, and pop-up or special distributions as access points become clearer.
“This generous support from Health Plan of Nevada comes at a critical time for families affected by the wildfires,” said Nicole Lamboley, President and CEO of the Food Bank of Northern Nevada. “The Food Bank is working with emergency management, community partners and volunteers to move food where it is needed most, and this gift will help us continue supporting neighbors as they return home and rebuild.”
The fires have created significant hardship across Northern Nevada, with thousands of Washoe County residents facing evacuation or displacement. Recovery is expected to take months or longer for many residents as they navigate temporary housing, insurance claims, replacing essential belongings, food access, mental health support and rebuilding costs. Health Plan of Nevada’s donation will help trusted local organizations respond quickly while retaining flexibility as needs evolve.
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About Health Plan of Nevada
Health Plan of Nevada, a UnitedHealthcare company, offers health care coverage and support for individuals and families, Medicaid members, Medicare beneficiaries and employer groups across Nevada. Its resources help members find care, understand their benefits, access urgent and virtual care options, manage prescriptions, and take part in health education and wellness programs. UnitedHealthcare is dedicated to helping people live healthier lives and making the health system work better for everyone by simplifying the health care experience, meeting consumer health and wellness needs, and sustaining trusted relationships with care providers. UnitedHealthcare is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified health care company.
Media Contact:
Lisa Contreras
UnitedHealthcare Communications
520-444-6600
lisa_contreras@uhc.com
