Volunteer Spotlight: Dr. Daniel Haight

Dr. Daniel Haight is one of our community's most active leaders in the health field. For more than 10 years, Dr. Haight was the Director of the Polk County Health Department, but his service to our community goes well beyond either that role, or his new one as the Associate Vice President of Community Health at Lakeland Regional Medical Center.

Dr. Haight is a charter member of the Health Steering Team since 2010, making significant contributions to the study of community health conditions. His leadership on that team helped to coordinate UWCF efforts with community studies already completed in the County Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) and the MAPP (Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships). He connected UWCF partners and staff with One Bay Healthy Communities, which provides research on regional economic, health and education issues. This consistent source of current and objective data helps Community Impact Teams direct donor dollars toward services that affect the most pressing community needs. Working with nurses and other medical experts on the Health Steering Team, he also made recommendations that expand valuable services to seniors and shut-ins.

Dr. Haight was also a member of the Health Selection Committee that reviewed grant applications and awarded funding to new health partners in 2010. These programs continue to offer services that increase access to health care, improve specific health issues, and reduce avoidable hospitalizations and ER visits. He continues to serve on the UWCF Board, the Health Steering Team, and the Family Fundamentals Steering Committee.

UWCF understands community needs, drives change to address those needs, and improves lives. Thank you, Dr. Daniel Haight for believing in that mission and helping us drive lasting change in the health of our community!