Everyone deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. United Way Broward executes a data-driven, systematic approach to identify the critical needs of our community.

Our Healthy Community pillar focuses on improving health and well-being by removing barriers to care and promoting healthy lifestyles through:

• expanded access to healthcare

• care coordination

• substance-use prevention

• mental health wellness and suicide prevention

• behavioral health training and capacity building

• healthy spaces and physical activity

In addition to operating several in-house initiatives, United Way Broward funds and partners with local agencies and organizations to build strong, inclusive communities where people can thrive physically, mentally, and socially — regardless of their financial challenges or insurance status.

United Way Broward’s in-house initiatives for Healthy Community include:

Coalition on Behavioral Health & Drug Prevention

Now in its 37th year, this broad-based coalition empowers people to live healthy and drug-free, reduces substance use, and advocates for individual and collective mental health.

The coalition develops and expands partnerships with federal, state, and local agencies to advance integrated behavioral health efforts as well as identify and implement innovative, effective ways to address the risks with substance use — delivered without stigma or judgment.

• Nearly 70,000 clients were reached through substance abuse prevention programs this year — an increase of 52% from the previous year.
• In the past year, 75 community engagement activities were held, reaching more than 12,500 students.
• More than 50 million impressions resulted from several media campaigns promoting the dangers of substance use.
• More than 60 schools in Broward County have implemented evidence-based prevention programs that have been scientifically proven to prevent substance use.

Crisis Intervention Team (CIT Training)

This 40-hour program trains law enforcement personnel in Broward County on how to deal effectively with individuals during a crisis as well as increases participants’ knowledge and skills related to handling mental illness and substance use.

CIT Training is a community partnership comprised of law enforcement agencies, local mental health and substance abuse treatment systems, mental health advocacy groups, and consumers of mental health services and their families.

Since its inception in 2000, over 3,500 law enforcement officers from 28 separate agencies have received training on providing a safe, effective, and compassionate response to people who are experiencing mental health crises.

Bridges to Better Care

This program recruits and trains professionals — from executives to frontline staff — working in health, healthcare facilities, hospitals, doctor offices, clinics, and other health-related organizations.

These trained professionals then provide ongoing training to teams within their organizations, with a focus on providing services to patients, families, and caregivers who are disadvantaged due to environmental, economic, or social circumstances.

Since its inception in 2022, the program has trained 1,000 healthcare professionals across South Florida.

United for Seniors

This vibrant online platform supports Broward’s residents who are aged 60 and older. It is a social community for creating a safe, engaging, and inclusive space where seniors can connect, share experiences, and enhance theirl mental and physical well-being.

Members in United for Seniors can:

• access valuable resources

• participate in discussions

• join interest-based groups

• attend virtual events

• get practical advice from experts

• take advantage of discounts

• find in-person activities

• make new friends

• and more

HEALTH IMPACT

supported by United Way programs