The progression to a healthy life begins before birth and follows through every stage in life: we focus on prenatal and infant care, access to preventive health care, healthy lifestyle choices for young people and adults, wellness for older adults and respite for those caring for aging parents.  

Healthy children, youth and families

Babies born to mothers who receive no prenatal care are three times more likely to be born at low birth weights which can lead to developmental problems later in life.  On the other hand, an overweight child has a 70% chance of becoming an overweight adult and at risk of developing heart disease, diabetes or other major health problems. 35% of high school students are sexually active.  Miami has the highest rate of AIDS cases per 100,000 in the country.

This past year, we more than doubled our outreach to pregnant moms to ensure they received the proper prenatal care.  In addition, these moms participated in classes on childbirth, breastfeeding and parenting.  

At the same time, 500 elementary school children participated in a United Way afterschool program focused on nutrition and fitness.  Over 90% of the participants improved their fitness level by the end of the year.  Another 1,700 boys and girls participated in a United Way-funded healthy lifestyles program focused on the prevention of pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS and substance abuse; as well as health, nutrition and safety awareness.  100% completed the course, all with increased knowledge of the risks associated with sexual activity and how to avoid them.

Productive and independent older adults

A recent national poll found that 41% of baby boomers who have a living parent are providing care for them — either financial help, personal care or both — and 8% of boomers say their parents have moved in with them.  14% of all deaths among older adults are the result of insufficient activity and inadequate nutrition.

Through a United Way program that focuses on older adults, more than 4,000 improved their ability to care for themselves; another 10,000 received hot, nutritious meals – all of which allows them to continue living on their own, not in institutions.  For individuals and families caring for their adult parents, help was made available, too, in the form of respite care for both the caregiver and the aging adult, enabling 100% to remain in their homes.

Access to health care and preventive screenings

Florida ranks 50th when it comes to children’s access to health care.  Three in 10 of Miami-Dade’s residents under age 65 have no insurance.

This past year, nearly 5,000 children ages 0-5 were screened for vision, hearing, speech, language, gross motor and other health and developmental problems.  More than 800 children ages 0-5 were up to date on their immunizations as a result of United Way-funded programs.

At the same time, more than 4,000 women were screened for breast and cervical cancer.

In our ongoing efforts to give the public an opportunity to review and debate any changes to Florida’s Medicaid system, we convened the third in a series of Medicaid Forums.  The University of Florida presented the preliminary results of its ongoing Medicaid Reform evaluation to over 90 Miami-Dade community leaders, legislators, health service providers and others.