Improving Health & Self-Sufficiency

INDIVIDUALS The Issues

Health and self-sufficiency are key indicators of a community’s strength. United Way invests funds in making sure that Roanoke Valley citizens can meet their physical and mental health needs and have access to other resources to keep them self-sufficient.

In late 2000, nearly 13% of all area households had a member whose mental health problem limited their ability to carry out daily activities, but only 57% of those individuals received any treatment. While the success rate for treating individuals with serious mental illnesses is 60-80%, not all Roanoke Valley residents have access to mental health treatment. Lack of health coverage affects15% of residents, and others have limited financial resources and cannot make co-payments required by managed care contracts.

Speech and language difficulties due to developmental disorders, disease, stroke or injury affect an estimated 10% of the US population – that’s approximately 25,000 Roanoke Valley individuals. These individuals may also require physical therapy to reduce chronic discomfort and pain. Affordable therapy sessions subsidized by United Way dollars not only enable individuals to improve their physical condition but also help reduce medical related costs.

Preventive measures including health education, emergency training, and empowering families to manage their children’s preventive health care are some of the approaches that United Way considers critical for the overall health of the community.

This multi-disciplinary approach of providing services that address health concerns as well as resources to raise individuals’ quality of life through education and employment is key to achieving a vibrant community where citizens have the opportunity achieve their highest potential.

UWRV’s Response:

We believe that access to health education and to preventive and primary care is essential to the quality of life in healthy communities and that a healthy community fosters an environment where people have the power to improve their circumstances and quality of life and earn a livable wage and not depend on public assistance.

Improving Physical and Mental Health

Develop a centralized system of securing prescription assistance for patients through area clinics and medical offices, and to educate physicians and the public about the availability of pharmaceutical assistance and generic drugs.
Prevent / Reduce occurrence of negative health consequences of obesity, discourage sedentary lifestyles and improve nutrition specifically with youth as well as encourage early detection and intervention of illnesses.
Support programs for youth that include education on sexual responsibility.

Self-sufficiency through Education and Employment

Asset Development for housing, education and small businesses
Support opportunities for employment and continued education for all persons.
Support programs and resources to assist women in entering the workforce

Total UWRV Investment: $835,716

Results:

This past year alone, UW assisted over 22,500 individuals through its investment in 21 programs focused on keeping people physically and mentally healthy while protecting their financial resources.
Over 7,000 individuals received mental health services from 7 different programs. 83% improved in their coping mechanisms and overall functioning as a result of the intervention.
250 low-income and underserved children and youth were given access to mental health services this past year. 100% of those enrolled in life skills classes showed behavioral improvements and reported getting along better with others as a result. 34 clients identified with serious emotional needs improved in their self-esteem after receiving intensive counseling.
3,414 individuals received help with their physical health from four UW-funded programs. 85% improved their physical condition (functional communication, mobility, and pain management) through subsidized therapy sessions. Over 700 families benefited from improved access to medical and dental services, helping children stay up to date with their health needs. As a result, 92% of children served were up to date with their immunizations and received preventive dental services. 66% of families served cut their medical expenses relating to ER visits.
4 UW-funded programs focus on providing health education and emergency training.
7,957 youth participated in health education classes on HIV awareness, teen pregnancy prevention and mock alcohol disaster. 100% of youth participating in HIV education classes became familiar with ways to protect themselves from the disease, as evidenced by pre- and post-tests. 95% of the participants in sexuality education were able to demonstrate refusal skills and improved decision-making at the end of the sessions.
In addition, 8,020 people completed training courses on swimming, life guarding, first aid, and emergency response during the year. An additional 228 individuals took classes on babysitting and eldercare. 97% of those participants increased knowledge in identifying crisis situations and handling them appropriately.
2,512 volunteers also received training to prevent, prepare, and respond to emergencies. 92% of these participants sustained their resulting volunteer activities for at least six months.
Over 1,000 individuals received help to become more self-sufficient through six programs focusing on education, employment, and asset building.
62% of high school dropouts identified were helped to re-enroll in educational programs. 48 people received their GED while 134 gained from half to 2 grades in education. The program was also able to assist half of non-English speaking participants improve in at least 2 language skills within a few months of participating in the programs.
Of 449 individuals who took advantage of job training and employment services funded by UWRV, 62% secured employment. This number includes 78 people with disabilities who were provided transportation to and from their work places, gaining opportunities to build their skills and confidence, and become productive members of society.
In addition, asset building administered through the Roanoke Valley Individual Development Accounts partnership operated by TAP continues to serve as a stepping stone out of poverty. 23 participants are currently enrolled in this 2:1 matching savings program. 96% made regular deposits toward their savings goals last year. Six were able to complete the program last year with five purchasing their first homes and one completing post-secondary education. Twelve interviews are scheduled in the remainder of the fiscal year to follow-up on whether program graduates a year were able to retain assets purchased.

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