Our work in health

United Way focuses its efforts on a broad range of health-related issues. From helping young children to caring for older adults, United Way understands that good health is essential to a good life.

Healthy children and families

In Miami-Dade County, three in ten residents under the age of 65 are without health insurance. That number translates to approximately 600,000 people and is on the rise as a result of our challenging economy. Providing individuals and families with access to health care is our primary focus in this area.

Productive and independent older adults

Around 36% of older adults suffer from depression due to inactivity and isolation. United Way funds programs that help older adults stay active, healthy and able to live on their own. Just this past year, these programs provided nearly 10,500 seniors with hot, nutritious meals on a regular basis; 3,200 older adults participated in social and recreational activities to help them maintain an active mind and body; and 9,000 seniors received community-based home care services.

Caregivers play an important role in helping older adults maintain their independence, but without support, they can be vulnerable to stress, social isolation and depression. Almost 25% of the entire population in the U.S. is a caregiver for an adult. United Way-funded programs provide caregivers with counseling, education and respite services.

Savings on prescription drugs

Since 2008, United Way of Miami-Dade, working with FamilyWize, a nationwide community service partnership that works with nonprofit organizations and government agencies to make prescription drug discount cards available to uninsured and underinsured people, has saved Miami-Dade residents more than $1 million on the cost of prescription medicines.

Through the FamilyWize Prescription Drug Discount Card, uninsured and underinsured people can get the medicines they need for an average discount of 30 percent off the regular cost. Qualifying for a discount card is simple and completely free of charge. It can be used as often as needed, for any prescription and for anyone in the family, with no income limit, age requirement, eligibility or registration required. The cards also come in both English and Spanish and can be printed directly from the FamilyWize website.

Click here to print your familywize prescription drug discount card.

Community partnerships and initiatives that promote wellness