United Way works every day to advance the common good by focusing on the building blocks for a better life – Education, Income and Health.
United Way of Mat-Su’s Community Plan: Community Wide Health
The simple fact is, without good health no one functions at an optimal level. Regardless of age, good health practices are vital to our well-being, our ability to function in society, our ability to learn, and to our longevity.
A healthy lifestyle seems to be almost an obsession with some, exercising three times a week, eating healthy foods, not smoking – while others, especially low-income families, young children and the elderly, are left without basic things like nutritional meals and dental care, and are unable to obtain the critical services they need to stay healthy.
The health of our citizens is a strong indicator of the health of our community. United Way of Mat-Su’s review and analysis of community data revealed three key needs and priorities for our community health: health promotion and safety, substance abuse prevention, and access to health care.
Issues such as family violence, addiction, and even mental health, once considered social concerns, are increasingly recognized as health concerns. The effect of these issues on hospital emergency rooms, health insurance plans, and our community, is staggering.
Consider:
- Without strong academic and social development, youth are more prone to engage in risky behaviors, which may continue into adulthood, including drug and alcohol abuse, a serious health concern in our society and particularly in our community.
- More than 27 percent of Alaskan high school students are overweight or obese and 40% of children ages 2-4 enrolled in the Women, Infant and Children (WIC) Program are overweight or obese.
- Older adults with fixed or limited incomes often consume diets of lower nutritional quality and are twice as likely to have poor health status.
- Children learn better when they have healthy diets, are active, and receive adequate health care, including regular check-ups.
- One out of every ten people in the Mat-Su Borough does not have health coverage.
- Alaska ranks #2 in the nation for illicit drug use and #6 in the nation for binge drinking.
- Alaska has the distinction of ranking highest in the nation for reported child abuse.
- 75% of Alaskans have experienced or know someone who has experienced domestic violence or sexual assault.
United Way of Mat-Su is committed to building a stronger, healthier community by raising resources and developing partnerships that make a measurable difference in the health of our citizens. To achieve that goal, we invest in, and partner with, programs and organizations that:
- Promote healthy living and chronic disease prevention
- Focus on preventing injuries, child abuse/neglect, or domestic violence
- Increase health care coverage and access to health care
- Promote resilience skills for our youth
- Engage youth in meaningful, healthy alternative activities
- Coordinate health resources and services
- Provide services for the uninsured
Community Resources and Collaboratives:
Kids Count Alaska collects and publicizes information on the health, safety and economic well-being of children in Alaska.
Alaska 2-1-1 is a free, confidential, health and human services information and referral system brought to you by United Ways of Alaska. Call 2-1-1 or 1-800-478-2221 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., and press “1” Monday through Friday or you may search our online data base 24/7.
Mat-Su Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition
2008 Mat-Su Substance Abuse Data Report
Alaska Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)
Alaska Youth Risk Behavior Survey (AK YRBS)
Alaska Scorecard
View the full Community Plan here (.ppt 431KB)
Download a viewer here.
