The 2014 Community Health Survey commissioned by Aurora Health Care, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, and Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin found that drugs and alcohol, chronic diseases, and mental health were the top health concerns in Washington County.
In response to these community-identified needs, United Way of Washington County is increasing efforts to improve AODA and mental health services, encouraging collaborative work and coalitions.
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2014 Washington County Community Health Survey: Drugs and alcohol, chronic diseases, and mental health were the top health concerns, identified at a higher rate than previous years. Survey commissioned by Aurora Health Care, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, and Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin |
In April, United Way of Washington County issued a request for program proposals that advance the organization’s goal to ensure all children and adults in Washington County are physically and mentally healthy. There was an overwhelming response, with 16 programs requesting a total of $521,541.
With $240,731 in funds available, United Way’s community volunteers were challenged with the task of prioritizing programs that most effectively respond to the community’s greatest needs.
“All of the programs that applied provide incredibly valuable services to people in our community,” said Kristin Brandner, Executive Director of United Way of Washington County. “But ultimately our volunteers had to focus on the greatest needs and make some difficult decisions.”
After a rigorous screening and interview process, community volunteers selected 11 programs that will receive United Way funding, including six that are new to United Way.
“The panel volunteers were very thorough and they did an excellent job reviewing the applications,” said Karl Schultz, Director of Operations at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin, and volunteer chairman of the United Way Health Panel. “The 11 programs that were selected have demonstrated results and they serve a wide array of people throughout the county. United Way is extremely excited to work with these partners as they continue to improve people’s lives.”
Each health program will receive United Way funding through 2018, contingent on successful year-end reviews. United Way of Washington County recently transitioned to a three-year funding cycle. Every year, applications are accepted under one of their three focus areas: Education, Income Stability, and Health. Next year, applications will be accepted for education programs.
“United Way is able to invest in these important programs because of our community’s support,” said Brandner. “The number of applications we received demonstrates the increasing needs in Washington County. With the help of thousands of generous donors, volunteers, and community partners, we are working together to improve community conditions for all.”
2016 United Way Health Programs
• Alcohol & Drug Early Intervention - Elevate
• Diabetes Prevention (2 classes)* - Kettle Moraine YMCA
• Family Mental Health Resources* - NAMI Washington County
• Family Support & Education - Youth & Family Project
• Family Support Initiative - Family Center of Washington County
• Health Services for the Homeless* - Family Promise Coalition
• Healthy Latinos, Healthy Futures* - Casa Guadalupe Education Center
• Preventing Heroin Addiction* - Heroin Task Force
• Preventing Underage Drinking* - Prevention Network of Washington County
• Programs for Adults 55+ - Senior Citizens Activities
• Senior Transportation & Home Services - Interfaith Caregivers
* = Program is new to United Way