Together for Health & Wellness
Fosting a healthier, more resilient, and better connected community.
What is Together for Health & Wellness?
Together For Health & Wellness is an educational initiative offered by UWLS designed to promote health education and link the community with vital resources. As a key component of our health initiative, this program addresses one of the top ten root causes of poverty in our area.
We provide a range of learning opportunities, including symposiums, lunch-and-learns, and health fairs. Our health education is provided by a collaborative approach in working with the health leaders in our community. We use our community healthy needs assessment to focus on the health areas that need awareness. This ensures that our educational efforts are precisely aligned with the needs of our community.
Want to learn more about our Together for Health & Wellness Program?
Our Impact: January 2024 – October 2025
At United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties, we’re committed to improving health outcomes for individuals and families in our communities. Through the generous support of our partners, we’ve made meaningful strides in expanding access to essential healthcare services.
Lake County (January 2024 – December 2024)
Thanks to a generous grant from Orlando Health and the outstanding care provided by Community Health Centers, we’ve been able to serve 1,500 clients in Lake County over the past year. Together, we’ve delivered a wide range of essential health services, including:
-
Family Medicine
-
Pediatrics
-
Dental Care
-
Optometry
-
OB/GYN
-
Internal Medicine
-
Behavioral Health
With $44,000 in support directed to Community Health Centers, this partnership has played a vital role in expanding access to care for those who need it most.
in support from the Orlano Health grant allowed us to serve
clients in Lake County with care provided by Community Health Centers.
children provided with co-pay assistance thanks to the
that has been invested into date, thanks to a generous grant from Suncoast Credit Union.
Sumter County (July 2024 – October 2025)
From July 2024 through October 2025, our partnership with Langley Health Services, supported by a generous grant from Suncoast Credit Union, allowed us to assist 201 children and youth (newborn to 18 years old) with co-pay financial assistance for vital healthcare services, including:
-
Family Medicine
-
Pediatrics
-
Dental Care
-
Optometry
-
OB/GYN
-
Internal Medicine
-
Behavioral Health
A total of $39,120 was invested to ensure that children in Sumter County could receive the care they need to thrive.
Advocating for Comprehensive Health and Wellness
Racial and ethnic minorities living in poverty often present more adverse health outcomes compared to the major population in Lake & Sumter Counties. Residents of impoverished communities are at increased risk for mental illness, chronic disease, higher mortality and lower life expectancy. In Lake County, a higher percentage of minority populations are living in poverty – which is also reflected in lower median household income per year.
%
of Florida adults age 45-79 affected by high blood pressure.
According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control & Prevention), having high blood pressure puts you at risk for heart disease and stroke, which are leading causes of death in the United States (2023). Hypertension is a leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, stroke, and death.
%
of Florida residents (ages 9 - 64) below the federal poverty line are uninsured. (ALICE 2023 Report)
%
of Lake & Sumter County children have no type of health care coverage. (ALICE 2023 Report)
The average number of diabetes-related ER visits by Black/African-Americans in Lake County is more than double the county average of 241. (ALICE 2023 Report)
Social determinants of health have a major impact on people’s health, wellbeing and quality of life and heavily contribute to wide health disparities and inequities.
Together for Health and Wellness will allow us to bridge that gap and connect people with FREE wraparound services and increase their quality of life.
Why Respesentation Matters: Addressing Diversity in Research
Our commitment to fostering inclusive research led us to participate in the recent roundtable discussion, “Why Representation Matters,” where we gathered with community leaders and Charter Research. Together, we examined the pressing issue of underrepresentation of Black and Brown individuals in research studies.
Addressing Health Disparities in Research
In particular, we focused on Alzheimer’s research, an area where significant disparities in participation rates affect our community deeply. Despite the disproportionate impact of Alzheimer’s disease on communities of color, people of color remain underrepresented in these critical studies. This gap not only limits our understanding of how the disease may affect diverse populations but also impedes the development of treatments and interventions that are truly equitable and accessible for all.
The Impact of Social Determinants of Health
Exploring the social determinants of health—factors like socioeconomic status, education, and access to healthcare—helped underline why these disparities exist. Our community-driven strategies aim to change this dynamic and support meaningful inclusion in research that affects all members of our society.
How You Can Help…
Support Our Mission With a Donation
Your financial contribution to United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties can make a meaningful impact in our community. By donating, you enable us to continue providing essential services and support to those who need it most.
Your generous donation will support programs like Together for Health & Wellness, which connects community members with crucial health resources and services. It also helps fund vital initiatives in education, economic stability, and health.
Every dollar makes a difference. Your support can help us create a stronger, healthier community.
Volunteer Your Time
Your time and skills can make a lasting impact in our community. By volunteering with United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties, you help us provide essential services and support to those who need it most.
Volunteers play a crucial role in programs like Together for Health & Wellness, where you can connect with community members and contribute to improving their health and well-being. Your efforts also support key initiatives in education, economic stability, and health.
Every hour you give makes a difference. Join us in building a stronger, healthier community by volunteering today.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Together, we can create a brighter future for families in Lake and Sumter Counties. Whether you choose to donate, volunteer, or both, your support is invaluable. Join us in providing essential health services though our Together for Health & Wellness service.
A Huge Thank You to Our Sponsors
