Health

Whether it is a neighbor without health insurance, a victim of abuse, or someone struggling with mental illness or an addiction, United Ways are working to ensure everyone has access to affordable and quality care.

Our Goal

Since 2008, we’ve been working to achieve our bold, 10-year goal: to increase by one-third the number of youth and adults who are healthy and avoid risky behaviors by 2018.

Our Strategy

Achieving our goal requires us all to become more aware of health risks and the potential effects they have on ourselves and others, starting from before birth. Working to change policies and practices, such as extending health care coverage, will enable more people to live healthier lives.

Health Facts

More than 33% of children and adolescents are overweight or obese. That’s 25 million kids and teenagers.
Children with health coverage are better prepared to learn in school and succeed in life.1
The number of Americans without health insurance has increased steadily since the beginning of the century, now totaling about 47 million. More than 80% are working families.2
8.7 million children live without health insurance – more than the total number enrolled in the first and second grades in U.S. public schools.3

1Institute of Medicine. From Neurons to Neighborhood: The Science of Early Childhood Development. Washington DC: National Academies Press, 2000.)
2Employee Benefit Research Institute estimates from the March Current Population Survey, 2007 Supplement.
3Compiled by the State Health Access Data Assistance Center (SHADAC), University of Minnesota School of Public Health, using data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey 2007.

Community Impact Grants ( 2025-2026 - 1 year grants )

Teens Have Vision 2 "The EmpowerHER Mentorship Program" – The COVID-19 pandemic, along with increasing rates of youth mental health concerns and social disconnection, has highlighted the critical importance of early intervention and mentorship. EmpowerHER directly responds to this growing need by offering structured, school-based mentorship to 5th grade girls— a group especially vulnerable to the long-term effects of isolation, low self-esteem, and anxiety. This project is designed to provide 5th grade girls with a structured, supportive environment where they can develop essential life skills, build self-confidence, and strengthen their mental health awareness. Through weekly sessions focused on self-identity, communication, personal development, and emotional well-being, EmpowerHER creates opportunities for participants to set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals that encourage both academic and personal success. By nurturing these foundational skills early on, we not only fulfill our mission but also contribute to building a stronger, more resilient community.
MCCPRA's Free Swim Lessons Initiative - The MCCPRA Learn-to-Swim program directly addresses critical health and education needs by providing life-saving water safety instruction to children who otherwise lack access. Drowning is a leading cause of death for children, and swim lessons are a proven method of prevention. By offering free instruction, the program improves community health outcomes while educating participants in essential safety, self-rescue, and emergency response skills.

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