Our goal: People who are at risk are coping and living independently

There are more than 40 million people in the United States who are uninsured or underinsured, and who lack access to basic health and disability services. Our community is paying the cost for the lack of basic services in expensive urgent care and hospital settings. In addition, the population is growing older and people are living longer. Families of people with disabilities are overwhelmed with providing extended, fulltime care.

United Way provides access to basic health and disability screening, assessment and treatment services. By complementing the services provided by the state, United Way strives to identify and address the unmet, local health and disability needs. United Way combines services individuals can easily use to be more productive members of society.

Home and community based strategy

Our home and community based strategy develops individual assistance plans that meet the needs of elderly and disabled people allowing them to maintain their independence and stay in their own homes, which promotes increased quality of life. For example, United Way makes it possible for a senior to stay at home with the installment of a ramp and transportation to and from a senior center, as well as counseling for the primary caregiver.

2007–08 Investments in people at risk

United Way is investing $5.8 million in 46 programs to help people cope with their substance abuse, mental health and physical health issues.

We're also investing $2.08 million in 43 programs to help people with disabilities and senior citizens live independently.

Strategy areas:

Mental health support	14 programs, $2.8 (million)
Physical health support	18 programs, $2.4
Substance abuse treatment	14 programs, $ .6
Home and community based support	19 programs, $1.4
Life-skills training	21 programs, $ .6
Transportation	3 programs, $ .08
Total investment	$7.88 million

Stats:

	The average substance abuser makes seven attempts to go through treatment over a three year period in order to recover.
	Spending on health services in the United States is expected to nearly double during the next decade, from $2.1 trillion in 2006 to $4.1 trillion in 2016, a study published in the journal Health Affairs indicates.