BUILDING HEALTHY FAMILIES: Programs work to heal both mind and body.
The stresses on today’s families make it more important than
ever to have access to mental health resources. United Way has increasingly
had to fill the gap for counseling services available to low-income
families as government-sponsored programs have become restricted to
cases of severe mental illness.
Access is an issue, too, for programs promoting physical wellness. United Way support opens up opportunities for anyone in the community to take part in fitness, recreation, and health and safety programs. United Way also partners with Children’s Mercy hospital, a comprehensive, regional pediatric hospital that serves patients regardless of ability to pay. And United Way’s H.E.L.P. Fund has provided both test strips for low-income patients with diabetes and dental care for children from low-income families.
- 531 clients were assisted through detoxification services and 641 participated in chemical dependence treatment programs.
- 715 low-income clients received mental health counseling.
- 50 low-income patients with diabetes received test strips to monitor blood sugar.
- Buchanan County children had 1,455 inpatient days of care and 6,140 outpatient visits at Children’s Mercy Hospital. The hospital provided over $8 million of that care without uncompensation.
- 526 children and teens participated in youth sports.
- 39 children on Medicaid (only one dental service provider in the community, the Patee Market Youth Dental Clinic, actually accepts new Medicaid patients and that facility is not equipped to provide major oral surgery), primarily ages 3 to 5, who had severe dental problems received treatment to address their dental needs.
- 3,894 people in the region received first aid training and 3,028 participated in CPR training.
- 284 low-income patients were assisted in securing medical equipment, prescription medication, or eye exams.
