United Way of the Midlands Awards $197,000 to OneWorld Community Health Centers, Inc.
OneWorld Community Health Centers is pleased to announce it was awarded a $197,000 grant
from United Way of the Midlands’ (UWM) Community Impact Fund for three crucial programs:
Access to Medical Care for the Uninsured, Access to Behavioral Health Care and Addressing
Social Determinants of Health.
Thanks to the generosity of UWM donors, 1,250 children and adults without health insurance
will be able to see a medical provider without worry of costs, 1,260 low-income families and
individuals will receive social assistance to meet their individual needs, and more than 2,500
people suffering from the effects of mental health challenges will receive support in access to
behavioral health therapy and consultation.
This funding was awarded thanks to a dedicated group of community volunteers who
meticulously reviewed applications and highlighted UWM’s vital role in fostering a thriving
community. Their commitment and insight underscore a collective effort through UWM to
address pressing local needs, ensuring that this funding will directly contribute to meaningful,
positive change.
Funding for these programs will support crucial health care services for children and adults.
Access to Medical Care for the Uninsured will provide critical preventive care and chronic
disease management for manageable illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension and ensure
children live healthy lives and perform better in school. Access to Behavioral Health Care will
bring crucial mental health therapy to low-income people and help reduce stigma around
mental health. Finally, Addressing Social Determinants of Health programming will create links
to community resources in key areas of wellbeing – housing, food security, employment,
clothing and more – for families in need, including through the 211 Helpline.
With the help of this grant, OneWorld is able to support patients to manage their diabetes and
hypertension on a path to a healthier life; provide children and families with critical preventive
pediatric health care, while ensuring children are up-to-date on their vaccinations; bring access
to lifesaving community resources to patients in need of addressing social factors that
adversely affect their health; and reduce stress, enhance daily living skills, and improve the
overall mental and physical health outcomes for people in the community.
OneWorld impacts the lives of 51,000 patients each year with comprehensive health services.
Take the example of a patient named Connor, who had struggled with addiction. Connor came
to OneWorld from an ICU after an opiate overdose. At OneWorld, he received medication-
assisted treatment and saw a licensed alcohol and drug counselor. OneWorld’s comprehensive
care team also provided Connor with medical care to treat and cure his hepatitis C, a
potentially fatal disease. Addressing Connor’s health care needs at multiple levels helped
him maintain his recovery journey. Today, Connor is accomplishing his goals by landing a job,
reconnecting with family members, paying debts and securing a vehicle.
“OneWorld greatly appreciates United Way’s support for primary medical and behavioral
health care and social assistance for underserved patients in our community. We thank all
donors to United Way of the Midlands who ensure that children and adults have access to
health care as a basic need and a fundamental piece of a strong community,” said Andrea
Skolkin, CEO of OneWorld.