Health

May is Mental Health Month and United Way of Portage County strives to ensure that people in the community have access to health care.  According to the Portage County Community Health Assessment, Mental Health and Addiction is one of the top public health needs to be addressed for the residents of the county.  In response to Mental Health being a priority for the community, United Way of Portage County provides funding to multiple programs that provide counseling, addiction treatment, medication assistance, psychiatric services, abuse services and clinical services.  One of the programs th

March 14th is World Kidney Day.  We at United Way of Portage County honor this day of recognition by sharing a story of how our organization is helping those in our community who are going through kidney dialysis treatment.  Our organization provides support to the Kidney Foundation of Ohio to assist Portage County residents with transportation for their treatments and help with medication expenses.  Below is a story that shares the experience one woman ha

2-1-1 is a free, confidential service that helps people across the U.S., and in many parts of Canada, find the local resources they need.  This service is available 365 days per year, 24 hours a day.  By calling 2-1-1, people can be connected with information or resources pertaining to numerous topics or needs.  Some of those main needs are: Education, Employment and Income Support, Family Support & Parenting, Food/Clothing/Household Items, Healthcare, Housing, Utilities, Legal Services, Mental Health Counseling, Community Services and Addiction Services.  

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner.  In Portage County, Safer Futures is the domestic violence shelter and resource.  United Way of Portage County provides funds to Safer Futures in order to help those individuals and families in our community who are in need of a safe place to stay, time to recover and help to get through their experience of

United Way of Portage County began their partnership with the SOAR, Student Run-Free Clinic on the campus of Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), in 2017.  This program utilizes the medical students to provide needed primary care services, screenings and other tests for those who are uninsured or underinsured with regard to their health care.  Health and acess to health care is a United Way focus area globally and we partner with SOAR to address the

United Way of Portage County provides funding assistance to the Senior Corps – Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).  This program enables volunteers in our community who are 55 and older to use their talents, skills and free time to help with projects or other needs.  Some of those projects include providing transportation to seniors, serving food to the hungry, tutoring youth and much more.  One

United Way of Portage County ensures that the residents of our community have a free information and referral service.  This program can help when a person is facing a crisis, such as in need of emergency utility assistance, or just to obtain needed information, like how to contact their local school district.  Whatever the need, 2-1-1 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for free.  United Way funds this service so people can get the answers they need,

When we think about "being healthy", many people think about exercising, healthy eating and regular medical check-ups and screenings.  Many people overlook mental health as being a key factor in our overall health and lifestyle.  Mental health is critical to our well-being as it covers more than feeling stressed or having a diagnosed disorder.  Mental health deals with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidal tendencies and much more.  Portage County alone has had 6% of their adult population attempt suicide, according to the 2016 Portage County Commun

United Way of Portage County fights for the health of every person in our community.  Our organization provides funding to support various mental health programs, addiction counseling programs and other programs to help people get healthy and stay healthy.  This story shares an experience of someone who benefitted from the Alcohol & Other Drug program that United Way supports:

March is Kidney Awareness Month. 

At United Way of Portage County, we provide funding to our community partner the Kidney Foundation of Ohio.  This allows us to address the challenges and concerns faced by those battling with kidney disease.  We are fighting to improve the health and quality of life for those with kidney issues in March and throughout the year.