Senate hears $45 million request to expand University of Minnesota community health clinics, mobile units and One Health pilot

Senate File 16-07, presented to the committee by Senator Morpavan, requests $45,000,000 in fiscal year 2026 to implement parts of the University of Minnesota’s health sciences strategic plan, including expanded support for the Community University Health Care Center (Cook), a Mobile Health Initiative and the One Health clinic pilot.

The bill’s sponsor described the request as an investment in health care access, workforce training and services to underserved communities. “This investment will allow the university to expand its partnerships, integrate hands on learning for students in underserved communities, and strengthen its mobile health, telehealth and One Health clinic initiatives,” the sponsor said.

Cook, the university‑affiliated community health center, told the committee it provides integrated primary, behavioral and dental care and serves a largely low‑income patient population. Rolly Dwivedi, CEO and chief clinical officer at Cook, said the center provided nearly 50,000 visits to more than 11,900 patients last year; roughly half of patients prefer a…