Health
Our goals are to reduce the rate of risky behaviors among youth and adults and improve the health and increase the safety of individuals and families.
To achieve these goals, Middlesex United Way is partnering with Youth and Family Service organizations in Middlesex County to implement the Healthy Communities-Healthy Youth assets model in their towns. The approach increases young people's participation in their local communities and results in reduced high-risk behaviors, especially the use of drugs and alcohol. Healthy Communities-Healthy Youth (HCHY) is a national initiative from the Search Institute in 1996 to support communities that are engaging multiple sectors to build Developmental Assets in young people. Learn more about HCHY >>
We are also ensuring that services are available in times of need or crisis for an individuals or at the community level including mental health services, counseling, substance abuse treatment, and personal safety.
Funding Partners:
- American Red Cross, Middlesex Central CT
- Boy Scouts, CT Rivers Council
- Child & Family Agency of Southeastern CT - Mental Health for Families & Children
- Clinton Youth & Family Services
- Community Health Center - Mobile Dental Program
- The Connection, Inc. - Middletown & Old Saybrook Counseling Centers
- Durham-Middlefield Youth & Family Services
- East Haddam Youth & Family Services
- Gilead Community Services - Middletown Outpatient Clinic
- Girl Scouts of Connecticut, Inc.
- Middlesex Hospital - Perinatal Program
- Middletown Youth Services Bureau
- Northern Middlesex YMCA - Kids Korner and After-School Training & Consultation programs
- Oddfellows Playhouse
- Old Saybrook Youth & Family Services
- Portland Youth Services
- Rushford Center - Consultation/Technical Assistance and Connect to Care programs
- Tri-Town Youth Services (Chester, Deep River, Essex)
- Westbrook Public Schools
- Women & Families Center - Sexual Assault Crisis Services
- Youth & Family Services of Haddam-Killingworth
Results of Our Work
Oddfellows Playhouse helps youth build confidence, respect, cooperation, and self-esteem. Last year, 74% of the Circus participants demonstrated the ability to deal with conflicts nonviolently and interact positively and 91% showed increased self-confidence.
Last year, the American Red Cross responded to 22 local incidents, providing immediate disaster assistance to 39 families (or 75 individuals) including emergency shelter, food, clothing, children's needs, and prescription medication replacement.
The Community Health Center's Mobile Dental Program has seen approximately 1,014 unique patients and had 1,337 total visits. The program provides low-cost dental services for children, reducing financial barriers to care and bringing the services directly to the patients. They also provided 1,261 cleanings, 1,280 fluoride treatments, and 1,168 sealants on 357 patients to help avoid more costly and serious health issues later on.
