Health

Our goal is to create a strong and supportive community environment that promotes and improves the overall physical, dental, behavioral and mental health of all individuals and families regardless of their ability to pay.

This priority area focuses on ensuring that all people have access to quality health care and health education. As a result of rising costs for health insurance and medical care, Lancaster County residents have experienced significant medical, mental and emotional hardships. Poor lifestyle choices and underutilization of preventive health care have led to chronic health issues. Barriers to care and gaps in services further complicate health issues.

 

The 2010 Community Assessment identified the county’s critical health needs:

•        Access to health care for the uninsured and underinsured;

•        Comprehensive behavioral and mental health services;

•        Coordinated public health;

•          Promotion of healthy lifestyles.

 

United Way of Lancaster County is a founder of The Partnership for Public Health in Lancaster County, an initiative designed to address public health concerns resulting from the lack of a local public health department.

 

•                    Nearly 43,000 children and adults from low-income families were able to access affordable medical, dental, and mental health services. 

 

•                    More than 900 children and adolescents learned to make healthy decisions and to avoid alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.

 

•                    Approximately 800 individuals with mental illness and their loved ones were able to participate in support groups and learn coping skills to help improve their quality of life.

 

•                    More than 300 individuals with HIV were connected to medical care and supportive services to improve in their health and self-sufficiency.

 

•                    United Way of Lancaster County’s partnership with Project Access Lancaster County has helped 3,000 low-income, uninsured people access medical care donated service by local caregivers, specialists, and hospitals.

 

•                    United Way of Lancaster County partnered with the Lighten Up Lancaster County Coalition to help to Lancaster County residents achieve healthy weight. Currently, 60% of adults and 30% of children are overweight or obese.