How Health Care Organizations LIVE UNITED

The Greater Boston area is internationally known for its health care innovation and excellence.  This includes teaching hospitals and community hospitals, large institutions and smaller ones.  In addition to the treatment they provide within their walls, they serve the health of communities in a myriad of ways through outreach programs, satellite clinics, community health centers and collaboration with community organizations. Hospitals and health plans are deeply concerned with both the health of their communities and the social factors that influence community health.

In addition to clinical work that directly supports United Way's vision, health care organizations reach out with initiatives and programs that address health disparities, culturally accessible health and wellness, maternal and child health, youth development, domestic and neighborhood violence and workforce development.

We embrace similar goals; we serve the same communities; and, we share many strategies, tools and even partners.  Recent examples include initiatives like Thrive in 5, Skillworks, the Early Systems of Care Pilot in Allston Brighton, and the Math, Science and Technology initiative. The health care industry is also a major investor in the work of United Way.  In addition to supporting their own institutions, a large and growing number of health care workers contribute to United Way, and their organizations provide support to our work through events like the annual Healthcare Leadership Breakfast.

In 2008, a difficult year for so many, United Way giving among health care organizations was up thirteen percent, totaling over $2.1 million! Such generosity is awe-inspiring. We are pleased and proud to celebrate the health care industry's contributions to our community.  Please visit our profiles of how health care organizations Live United.