UWCO will support the work of tier two coalitions and partners who are the thought-leaders on our issues.


Increase Access to Health Care for Low-Income Families

United Way of Central Ohio supports public policies that increase access to health care for low-income families through established and innovative initiatives. Approximately 1.3 million Ohioans, or 12 percent of Ohio’s population, have no health insurance.1 Working with state partners, UWCO supports efforts to maintain eligibility and services for parents, children and pregnant women.


Increase and Maintain Housing and Supportive Services

United Way of Central Ohio supports public policies that increase the services available to the homeless and people at risk of homelessness. UWCO is a member of the Rebuilding Lives Funders Collaborative, led by the Community Shelter Board, and works with its partners to strengthen our community’s response to homelessness.

UWCO supports the work of the Interagency Council on Homelessness and increasing the amount of financial resources allocated to the Ohio Housing Trust Fund. UWCO supports federal legislation that strengthens the connection between programs that support emergency shelter and outreach, and those that provide supportive services proven to help break the cycle of homelessness.


Promote School Wellness Policies

United Way of Central Ohio supports public policies that address the increasing rate of obesity among children. The percent of school-age children who are overweight has tripled during the past three decades, increasing from approximately 5% in the 1960’s to over 15% in the early 2000’s.2

Thirty-eight percent of Franklin County third graders are overweight or at risk of becoming overweight.3 Working with local partners, UWCO is committed to finding ways to promote policies that will lead to healthy and active children.


Increase State and Federal Resources for Food Banks and Other Food Programs

Challenging economic conditions in Ohio have placed increased demand on food pantries. At the same time, operating costs for community pantries and food banks have increased. UWCO will work with local and state groups to secure additional funding for food banks, pantries and other food programs.


Notes:

  1. Covering Ohio’s Uninsured.  The State Coverage Initiative (SCI) Team’s Final Report to Governor Ted Strickland.  July 2008.
  2. Childhood Overweight and Obesity:  An Epidemic of Modern Times. 
    Ohio Public Health Association Fact Sheet,
    (http://www.ohiopha.org/Member/Obesity/factsheet.htm).
  3. Facts About Growing Up Healthy in Franklin County.  Nationwide Children’s Hospital,
    2008 Collaborative Children’s Health Report.