UWGN-2024 AnnualReport - Flipbook - Page 14
BUILDING STRONG,
HEALTHY COMMUNITIES
Tennessee ranks 44th in adverse childhood experiences, 41st in child poverty, 45th in drug-related
deaths, 46th in mental distress, 48th in violent crime, 46th in multiple chronic conditions and 44th
in premature death. In terms of overall health, Tennessee ranks 44th out of all 50 states.
Living below the ALICE threshold strains the
resources of our most vulnerable neighbors.
Economic and social factors create roadblocks
to accessing quality health care, educational
and supportive services, and strong, localized
community networks.
UWGN understands that, to impact a family’s
overall quality of life, an effective local system of
support must include economic stability, education,
access to health care services, and neighborhoods
that promote health, safety and a sense of
belonging. Together, we can build stronger, healthier
communities by helping people access quality
health care, informative education programs and
meaningful connections.
DIRECT SERVICES
UWGN’s Community Impact Fund (CIF) funds
partners to improve overall health by increasing
access to health care services and health education,
especially related to common physical, oral and
mental health challenges speci昀椀 c to our region.
Internal initiatives such as The Family Collective and
the Financial Empowerment Center serve as layers
of additional support to increase economic stability
and mobility and alleviate the effects of child and
family poverty that impact health outcomes.
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STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
UWGN fosters partnerships between health care
providers, community-based organizations and
advocacy groups, such as anti-drug coalitions,
to improve access to education, prevention and
ongoing care services. Our network of partners
helps our most vulnerable neighbors bridge gaps
in care, linking them to vital, potentially lifesaving
treatment and providing a platform from which they
can grow and thrive in their communities.
CATALYST FOR SYSTEMS CHANGE
Our intentionally designed, functional networks
coordinate points of access that allow bene昀椀 ciaries
to receive targeted and aligned wrap-around
services that address the social determinants of
health, such as health care access, economic stability
and strong, supportive communities. Healthy
communities are 昀氀 ourishing communities, and at
UWGN, we’re committed to addressing the root
causes of social determinants of health so all of
Middle Tennessee can grow together.
