Improving People’s Health

Good health is often regarded as one of the most important aspects of people’s lives. It impacts our financial stability, work, relationships, the ability to live independently, and our quality of life in general. When people enjoy good health, they have better opportunities to experience success. That’s why United Way of Berks County is working to improve the health status of all our residents from all age groups, socioeconomic levels and ethnic backgrounds.

United Way’s work creates opportunities for both prevention and care programs that accommodate various health needs. Among many needs, these programs address critical areas such as:

• Access to prenatal care
• Early intervention services for children with special needs
• Drug and alcohol abuse prevention and intervention programs
• Behavioral/mental health services
• Assistance for older adults

By assisting others to live healthier lives to the extent possible, United Way is creating opportunities for people to achieve their optimal health and independence. As a result, this helps in making Berks County a healthier community for everyone to live, work, and prosper.

Agency Partners and Programs in the Focus Area of Health

Following is a list of community-level outcomes that have been established for the focus area of Health, and a list of partner agency programs receiving funding to address each particular outcome. For a full description of these agency programs and contact information, click here.

PREVENTION PROGRAMS

Outcome:  Youth reduce their use of alcohol and drugs through participation in effective, research based prevention programs

Outcome:  Incarcerated individuals with physical and behavioral health needs are appropriately transitioned to community-based services as needed upon their return to the community

Outcome:  Individuals at high risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases receive effective prevention and care services

Outcome:  Older adults and people with chronic conditions live active and independent lives in their homes and communities for as long as possible

Outcome:  Individuals and families experiencing behavioral health problems improve their ability to function successfully

Outcome:  Youth develop and practice healthy habits and active lifestyle

Outcome:  Children with special health care needs maximize their potential through early assessment and effective intervention services

United Way Programs

United Way of Berks County Helps to Cover Prescription Costs

If you do not have health insurance, or must buy a prescription medication that is not covered by a drug plan, a discount card is available from United Way that could lower the cost of your medicine by an average of 35%!

The FamilyWize Prescription Drug Discount Card is available free-of-charge to anyone who needs assistance in paying for prescription medications not covered by an insurance plan. There are no age or income restrictions to use the card, no personal information must be given, and the card can be used as often as needed.

United Way of Berks County has joined with 800 United Ways across the nation in lowering the costs of prescription medications. This partnership is saving Americans over $1 million a month. Here in Berks County, over $477,605 has been saved since the beginning of this program in 2008. That’s an average discount of 30%, or $16, per prescription.  Over 29,688 claims have been made using this card. 

Participating pharmacies in the community have voluntarily agreed to accept the FamilyWize cards and provide these savings. To find a pharmacy near you that accepts these cards, please visit the program’s web site at FamilyWize.org. The website also has a tool to research and compare drug prices, and additional cards can be printed for use by family, friends, and co-workers.

To access a card that can be printed for immediate use, click here.

For more information, contact Jen O’Brien at (610) 685-4586 or jennifero@uwberks.org.

Special Funded Programs

Oakbrook Wellness Center

In 2009 United Way of Berks County provided a strategic grant focusing on maximizing independence for older adults in the amount of $150,000 per year for up to three years. This money was awarded to the Comprehensive Community Care Partnership to open a Wellness Center in the Oakbrook Homes Community.

The project is a collaborative partnership coordinated by the Berks County Office of Aging and hosted by the Reading Housing Authority. Key partners in the initiative are the Berks Visiting Nurse Association, the Berks Counseling Center, Centro Hispano Daniel Torres, Community Prevention Partnership and Berks Community Television.

The Wellness Center targets older, Latino residents of Oakbrook, who often have limited access to services and health care due to language, transportation or other barriers. The Center offers bilingual medical services to this population in their own neighborhood, as well as wellness and nutrition counseling and resources related to mental health issues.

Community Collaborations

Autism Conference

In March of 2010 United Way once again partnered with Easter Seals Eastern Pennsylvania and the Autism Society of Berks County to hold the Berks County Autism Conference and Resource Fair.  The full day event featured keynote speaker John Elder Robison, noted author and speaker on autism, and someone who is on the autism spectrum himself.  Workshops were held throughout the afternoon on various issues dealing with autism.  The Resource Fair allowed participants to talk with local service providers and organizations who work to address the needs of those on the autism spectrum.  The event had over 200 people in attendance and is expected to continue as an annual event.

Access to Health Care

United Way is partnering with the Berks County Medical Society and the Berks County Community Foundaton to make health care easier to obtain for Berks County residents who are uninsured or underinsured.  The partnership has designated three main goals to help address the issue of limited health care access here in berks County: establish a county health department, create a federally funded health center to primarily serve the uninsured and underinsured, and develop a volunteer pogram in which physicians and medical personnel would care for the uninsured.  All of these goals are in the beginning phases of discussion and planning, and could take several years to be in full operation.  However, this partnership has made great progress in raising awareness about access to quality and affordable health care in our local area, so this issue can be addressed.