Health

Helping individuals be physically and mentally healthy.

United Way works toward improving overall health in our community.  Physical and mental health are foundational requirements to a good quality of life. Without good, stable health, people struggle to provide adequate income and pursue education for reaching their potential. United, we’re providing improved access to prescription drugs, early childhood mental healthcare, addiction recovery support, wellness programs for seniors and their caregivers, and more to ensure that everyone in our community can live full, healthy lives.

Did you know...

• 96% of people in Olmsted County have health insurance, but 32% of Olmsted County adults delayed healthcare during the last year. Even with medical insurance, out-of-pocket costs such as copays, deductibles, dental care and prescriptions can make routine care unaffortable for many community members. 
• About one-third of adults in Olmsted County have experienced depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges between 2019 and 2022. Community members also identify binge drinking and substance misuse to be high priority concerns for the community.
• 32% of Olmsted County adults feel socially disconnected, and 27% of students don't feel adults in our community care about them. Social isolation is considered a threat to physical health and in many studies is considered a risk factor comparable to smoking or obesity. 

United Way and our community partners fight for:

• Mental health awareness, support, and clinical care
• Access to prescription drugs
• Support for recovery from addiction
• Social connectedness