One door, many services — that’s the approach that NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center (NorthPoint) takes to making health more accessible in North Minneapolis.  

“Someone’s access to food is connected to all other aspects of their well-being,” said Angela Watts, chief operating officer at NorthPoint. “That’s why we offer whole-person care aiming to address everyone’s unique needs, from primary medical to dental to behavioral health care, to a variety of human service programs like career services, prenatal support, social support groups and more.”  

NorthPoint was recently named among 22 nonprofit organizations to receive a grant from the Prime Together Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by Prime Therapeutics (Prime) employees to address inequality and injustice in their local communities. The most recent grant cycle, now in its fourth year, distributed more than $100,000 in grant funds, contributing to a total of $567,470 that the Foundation has awarded to 43 organizations across 13 states since it started in 2020.   

Holistic care helps Minnesotans succeed 

While Minnesota is one of the healthiest states in the country, it has some of the greatest health disparities for Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) communities. NorthPoint’s commitment to whole-person care helps reduce barriers to wellness, particularly in the areas of health, housing and food access.  

Northeast Minneapolis, where NorthPoint has been based since its genesis as Pilot City in 1968, has residents of diverse backgrounds, and 90% of the individuals NorthPoint serves are people of color, according to the organization. Forty percent of guests receive services in a language other than English.  

With support from the Prime Together Foundation, NorthPoint has expanded their health care access through prenatal support, dental screenings and help with health insurance enrollment; promoted housing stability through integrated case management, financial wellness education and employment support; and made healthy food more accessible through their food shelf and community events.  

A prescription for fresh food 

NorthPoint also places a strong emphasis on community engagement. The center regularly hosts health fairs, educational workshops and community events that help support community wellbeing.  

“Health care is, at the heart of it, a collaborative effort,” Watts said. “We are community-led, with over half of our board of directors receiving services at NorthPoint, and we take the community’s lead in learning how they can flourish and fulfill their potential.”  

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates 9.1% of Minnesotan households experienced food insecurity in 2023.  One way NorthPoint addresses this issue is through the organization’s Free Fresh Food Fridays. While its year-round food shelf provides the community with free food, household items, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene items, pet food and more, this event on the second and fourth Friday of every month during the summer is an opportunity to connect with the community.  

Every third Friday of the month at 1 p.m. throughout the summer, NorthPoint also hosts a Walk & Talk with a Doc event, where community members can walk with real doctors to ask questions about the health and wellness of you and your family. 

“I nominated NorthPoint for its whole-person care,” said Jenine Anderson, senior public relations manager at Prime, who nominated the organization for a grant. “I was particularly drawn to its free Fresh Food Fridays program that relies on volunteers to distribute fresh produce and connects the community to other resources that help create equity in many forms. I’m proud to stand behind supporting this organization for its mission and creative community engagement.” 

Learn more about NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center 

Learn more about the Prime Together Foundation