Minneapolis-based nonprofit Rainbow Health abruptly ended operations Thursday, leaving dozens of employees without a job and creating a gap in health care services for thousands of clients.
SEIU Healthcare Minnesota & Iowa, which represents around 60 workers in the Rainbow Health Workers Union, said the immediate closure was announced during an emergency all-staff meeting Thursday held by Rainbow Health's board of directors.
According to the union, the announcement came days after the nonprofit's chief executive officer resigned following a unanimous vote of no confidence by the union.
A statement from Rainbow Health cites financial challenges for the sudden closure and shares the organization is working with other local providers to transfer patient care.
"Due to insurmountable financial challenges, we can no longer sustain our operations," Rainbow Health stated. "We deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for understanding during this challenging time. Your health and well-being remain our top priority."
"We extend our deepest gratitude to our dedicated staff," the statement continues. "Their unwavering commitment and compassion have made a significant difference in the lives of so many individuals. Their hard work and dedication have been the cornerstone of Rainbow Health, and we are incredibly grateful for their contributions."
The Rainbow Health Workers Coordinating Committee, which represents unionized staff from various teams at Rainbow Health, released a statement questioning how such a dire financial situation and massive decision to shut down could arise without warning.
“We are shocked, saddened and angered by this news, both as staff dedicated to Rainbow Health’s mission and even more so for our clients and community," the statement reads.
The committee raised questions about how the decision may impact care of the "highly marginalized clients that depend on our professional support."
"As we demand answers to these questions from the organization’s Board of Directors, we are united and will keep fighting for our rights as workers and to find ways to ensure continuity of client care for the community members we serve," the statement concludes.
For approximately four decades, Rainbow Health provided healthcare services to members of the LBGTQ+ community with a focus on those living with HIV.
Rainbow Health grew out of the Minnesota AIDS Project (MAP), which launched in 1983 and became the state's largest AIDS service organization.
The organization relocated from St. Paul to downtown Minneapolis in August of 2023.
Resources for Rainbow Health clients: According to Rainbow Health, clients who need a copy of medical records or a prescription should email info@rainbowhealth.org .
According to Rainbow Health: Additional resources are available for mental health support. If you are suicidal or in crisis, please call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, press 3 for LGBTQ+ support. For non-emergency mental health help, you can call NAMI at 651-645-2948. For general assistance, contact United Way by calling their 211 helpline. The United Way is a free, statewide resource available to anyone needing services, including physical and mental health resources, housing, utility assistance, food, employment support, and crisis interventions.
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