Health

United Way Works for a Healthier America

Whether it is a child without a safe place to exercise, a neighbor without health insurance, a victim of abuse, or someone struggling with mental illness or an addiction, the Souris Valley United was is working to ensure everyone has access to a healthy lifestyle and affordable and quality care.

Our Goal

In our mission to achieve a healthier America, we will work to ensure equity in services provided to everyone in our area.  Starting in 2021 we will strive to education people and providers about how equity is the best way to ensure healthier communities.  Over the next 5 years we will education 50% of our partners in equity verses equality training, either in person or by online methods to our entire 7 county area, one person at a time.

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, practices, and behaviors, will enable more people to live healthier lives.

What We’re Doing

Souris Valley United Way is committed to moving from equal treatment for all to equitable treatment for people with in our area.  We will educate and encourage our partner agencies in taking the same path.  Funds will be directed to agencies that demonstrate a more equitable approach to solving problems.

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