Health & Wellness

A healthy community is a priority of United Way of Whatcom County. We want to ensure that all can access the health care they need. 

We support programs ranging from providing low-cost or free health-care services and HIV/AIDS education and testing to in-home care for the elderly and disabled. Read their stories here.

Why do we support these programs?

The rate of illicit drug use in Whatcom County is higher than that of almost anywhere else in the state--between 2003 and 2004, 6.5% had used within a 30-day period.

More than 14% of Whatcom County's population lives with a disability.

As much as 40% of Whatcom County residents are either uninsured or covered by Medicare or Medicaid, according to the Whatcom Alliance for Healthcare Access.

Washington and Whatcom County receive one of the lowest reimbursement rates in the country.

How are we making a difference?

• 887 patients were provided with dental care by 75 mobile clinics through the Interfaith Community Health Center
• 37 individuals suffering from AIDS attended 11 workshops focusing on mental and physical well-being through the Evergreen AIDS Foundation
• 1530 members of our elderly community received flu shots through the Visiting Nurse Home Care
• 816 individuals with mental illnesses attended events at Whatcom Counseling and Psychiatric Clinic’s Rainbow Center
• 389 individuals attended family support events through The Arc’s Down syndrome Outreach Program.

Sponsored Programs:

 
Sean Humphrey House

• One of the few Adult Family Homes licensed by the State of Washington to provide a residence,  meals, medical management services, counseling, recreational activities and other support to individuals livings with HIV/AIDS.  Improves the physical and mental health of people living with HIV/AIDS.

Evergreen AIDS Foundation

 
   Client and Community Services

•    Improves the physical and mental health of people living with AIDS, increases public awareness of
     HIV, reduces HIV stigma and discrimination, and prevents new infection.

Health Support Center

• Health Support Center
     Improves the community’s ability to access health groups and services in conjunction with
     improving member groups’ access to the community.

Interfaith Community Health Center

• Dental Access Program

      The program provides dental care to all of Whatcom County, regardless of ability to pay.

Max Higbee Community Recreation Center

• Recreation Services for People with Developmental Disabilities
     Maximizes the quality of life of people with developmental disabilities through meaningful
     recreation and community-integration activities while providing trustworthy respite care to families
     and caregivers.

Sun Community Service

• Transition to Community
     Reduces homelessness for people with mental illness by providing shelter and enrollment in
     entitlement programs.

 Visiting Nurse Home Care

• Flu Shot Program
     Provides flu shots for the elderly community and people with compromised immune systems–and
     those who work with these populations.

Whatcom Center for Early Learning

• Birth To Three Special Needs Program
     Develops increased school readiness in infants and toddlers with disabilities through therapy and
     specialized instruction. Educates parents about how to better face the challenges of raising a child
     with special needs.

 Whatcom Counseling & Psychiatric Clinic

• The Rainbow Center
     Provides social interaction and peer support for adults with mental illness and ensures that
     homeless adults with mental illness receive basic services.