Focus Area

Healthy Community

Improving health and well-being for all

Everyone should be able to make healthy choices for themselves and their families. But there can be lots of barriers in underserved communities. United Way’s partnerships with local groups expand access to nutritious food and quality health care, education and services. 

Man in orange shirt standing in front of a garden
Healthy Community

Growing Food. Growing Community.

Through a grant from the United Way Glenelg Lewis Court Fund, the Portland Community Garden in Australia has doubled their capacity to grow fresh vegetables year-round and bring together volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, like Wayne Barret. The garden supplies produce to schools community groups, and families facing food insecurity across the Glenelg Shire.

We mobilize communities, people and resources to support access to health.

  • We help people live healthier lives by improving their access to quality health care — regardless of financial challenges or immigration or insurance status. Supporting caregivers and ensuring veterans and seniors have transportation to medical appointments are just two ways we help our most vulnerable neighbors overcome barriers to good health. 

  • Too many of our neighbors don’t know where their next meal is coming from. Many more are unable to access healthy, nutritious food. That’s why United Way is partnering with communities around the world on innovative ways to tackle hunger. 
     

  • Good health isn’t just about what happens in the doctor’s office. Where we live, work and play also has an impact. That’s why we work closely with community groups to create safe and inclusive environments where everyone can enjoy a thriving culture of health. 

  • Part of improving access to health education and quality health care is offering services that can help people prevent chronic illness and infectious diseases, as well as manage and heal from them.

  • We play an important role in providing mental health support to individuals and communities. Across our global network, United Ways are innovating to boost mental health for everyone. We’re also stepping up to protect our most vulnerable young people.
     

  • United Way is committed to helping people at risk of substance misuse disorders— we support prevention, treatment and recovery intervention delivered without stigma or judgment. And through community partnerships all over the country, we’re helping tackle the opioid crisis. 

Healthy Community

5 Small Steps to a Healthier Community

You don't need to be a doctor or policymaker to improve community health. Small actions add up. Learn five easy ways you can make a difference.