Health

Why Invest in Health?

 

Today, 14% of Roanoke Valley residents do not have access to primary health care — so important to preventing or treating illness before it becomes more serious. In a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), over 50,000 people in the area were identified as obese, making them more susceptible to diabetes, heart disease and other issues. A safe and healthy home environment, access to health services and preventative healthcare starting early in childhood, avoiding risky behaviors, as well as knowledge about healthy eating and physical activity all contribute to achieving optimum health for individuals and our community. This is why United Way is investing in strategies that pursue and promote healthy living and lifestyle; provide access to affordable healthcare services and provide crisis and intervention services needed for health and wellness.
Dr. Cynda Johnson, Dean of the VT Carilion School of Medicine talks about the importance of Health in the community.

 

 

Nathan Encourages a Healthly Lifestyle

“I was diagnosed with a fatal heart condition while working for a company that didn’t provide health care coverage. After the surgery, I suffered a post-operative stroke and lost the ability to speak, hear and walk. My treatment and recovery involved several non-profit agencies throughout the Roanoke Valley. When I learned that the common link behind though agencies that helped me was United Way, I was floored. Without health, we don’t have anything and United Way recognizes that. I LIVE UNITED by encouraging others, especially children, to live healthy lives and make good health decisions for their future.”

 

 

  -Nathan Cochrane

 

 

 

 

Your gifts DO MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE! Watch the video below to see how your donations changed Nathan Cochrane's life for the better.

 

 

To see other ways that your gifts make a difference in the Roanoke Valley, view our campaign video.

Check out these great resources to learn more about United Way's focus on Health!

Get an in-depth look at the outcomes and strategies that make up our Community Action Plan for Health

 

 

 

                     Click on the image to download a fact sheet on United Way's Education priorities