Delivering Appropriate Healthcare - Avoiding Emergency Rooms

Jami began using alcohol and drugs at the age of fifteen.   For over twenty years her addiction kept her bound to a lifestyle that she grew to despise, but she couldn't stop.  Jami was in and out of re-hab clinics, detox facilities and suffered  health deterioration that took her to the emergency room more than once.   

“It would take you places you didn’t want to go,” she explained about illegal drug use. “It got so bad that I didn’t want to do it, but I did anyway. And then I cried.”

Her life began to turn around, however, through Agape Halfway House for Women, a United Way of Central Florida health partner.  Agape's program achieves results for the community by delivering appropriate care for individuals and reducing avoidable hospitalizations.

Through Agape's understanding that drug use is a disease that is treatable, Jami was able to begin to build her life.   She made a choice to obtain her GED.  With a GED she was able to find employment.  Agape helped Jami develop a financal plan and from there she saved the money needed to move to independent housing.  Today, Jami continues to build her life; she's currently working and happy in her new apartment. 

United Way's health partners are focused on improving the lives of individuals like Jami.  We all win when individuals get access to treatment that prevents avoidable health conditions.  United Way of Central Florida works together, with you, to improve lives in a lasting way.