United Way’s work in health provides opportunities for citizens of all ages to be healthy, active, caring members of our community
United Way’s focus on community health includes not only the physical and mental health of the citizens of our region but also our connection to one another.
Quick introduction to United Way of Greater New Haven's work to improve health in the community by staff member Amy Casavina Hall.
United Way invests in programs that provide some of our most vulnerable citizens with the support they need to achieve or maintain good health. People living with HIV/AIDS receive nutritional meals, seniors retain their independence through home health care services, and United Way 211 provides 24 hour, year ‘round access to community resources. In addition, our investments ensure that individuals recovering from mental illness and addiction receive case management and support services to help them maintain stable living arrangements for themselves and their families.
Our health and our community’s health increases with our connection to each other.
United Way seeks to help people connect to others through volunteering and by getting involved in the civic life of their community. United Way sponsors Days of Caring, an annual week long event that matches thousands of volunteers from throughout the region to local programs and people who need their help. We also promote community dialogue on important issues, like early care and education or economic opportunities in the region, and provide financial support to organizations that are working to engage residents in the life of the community, such as block watch efforts in New Haven, community gardens that promote green space and connect neighbors, and community organizing training for New Haven youth.
You can find volunteer opportunities 24 hours a day on our website.
Statistics
19.6% of births in New Haven are to women who receive late or no prenatal care. (Casey Kids Count)
Low-income children are at least twice as likely as higher-income children to have physical health problems, experience emotional and behavioral health difficulties, have learning disabilities, and be at risk of developmental delays. (Income Gaps are Harming Connecticut’s Children Report, CT Voices for Children)
Tooth decay affects half of all first-graders and 80 percent of seventeen-year-olds in CT. (CAHS Update)
Three adults die prematurely each week in Connecticut on average because they lack health insurance. (FamiliesUSA data)
One-quarter of CT high school students and over half (56.2%) of CT adults are either overweight or obese. (YRBS data; DPH data)
34.9% of people in Connecticut are engaged in civic life as measured by volunteering, working with their neighbors, or attending public meetings. (CNCS 2007)
Goals
Health Goals
Increase the number of children and adults who have access to health insurance and affordable prescription coverage.
Increase utilization of preventive health care.
Increase the number of older adults who are healthy and independent.
Civic Engagement Goal
Increase civic participation, access and empowerment across the life spectrum for people in the region, especially those who face barriers to engagement.
What We Do
Provide leadership on health issues critical to our communities
Distribute FamilyWize prescription discount cards to help people save on the costs of prescription medicine.
Created Experience Corps of Greater New Haven in partnership with the South Central Area Agency on Aging to address the social isolation of older adults and improve the reading skills of young students.
Mobilize volunteers, businesses, and other organizations and connect them to community needs
2007 Days of Caring volunteers logged over 3,300 hours worth approximately $100,000 to benefit the region’s nonprofit agencies, schools and parks
Over 1,300 volunteer referrals were made through our website during 2007.
Invest Community Fund dollars based on alignment with UWGNH outcomes
Developed a partnership with the Red Cross to support disaster preparedness education and training in the region.
Help high-need populations improve and maintain their health and manage and maintain chronic conditions like Diabetes and HIV/AIDS.
Identify additional resources to address community needs
United Way connects people to their neighbors and peers, supports the creation of community leaders, promotes dialogue and supports advocacy to develop new dollars and social capital to bolster the health of our community.
Make possible philanthropic contributions to local non-profits
Measure and communicate results, needs, and successes
