United Way of Central Florida is expanding its health services through a newly awarded grant with Polk County.
United Way of Central Florida is expanding its services through a newly awarded grant with Polk County. The organization has been able to hire Community Wellness Navigators who will provide information to individuals and families, spreading awareness of the Polk HealthCare Plan and assisting them with the application. These Community Wellness Navigators are unique in that they can also advise individuals on other community programs to provide wrap-around services and support.
“We envision this Community Wellness Initiative to be a “boots on the ground” opportunity for informing residents about the Polk HealthCare Plan as well as the many other services and resources available through United Way,” explained Community Wellness Lead Navigator, Ann Marie Russell.
The Polk HealthCare plan is majority funded by the half-cent sales surtax and provides free or low-cost medical care to low-income residents of Polk County. Along with free health services, the program provides diabetes nutrition education, burial and cremation and other community resources. These services have been available to residents for some time but haven’t been utilized to their fullest. UWCF’s Community Wellness Navigators hope to change that.
United Way of Central Florida CEO, Christina Criser Jackson shared, “The Community Wellness Navigators will be present at organizations and events throughout the county sharing about the programs and spreading awareness for, not only the Polk HealthCare Plan, but for all of the United Way funded services and community resources.”
United Way of Central Florida has been a pillar in the community for nearly 80 years, helping fill the gaps in services within the areas of education, health and income.
Jackson concluded, “When the county shared their struggle with getting residents connected to this program, we realized that we could be the missing piece. We’re thrilled to be able to be out in the community, sharing our knowledge of programs and services with individuals that really need it.”
Learn more: https://uwcf.org/community-wellness/
