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UNMC kicks off its United Way campaign today with a goal of $126,000. Campaign contributions, which can be made through UNMC’s payroll deduction, help support more than 145 health and human service programs across the Omaha-Council Bluffs-Bellevue metropolitan areas.
UNMC employees who serve on the United Way steering committee are in the process of distributing pledge cards. UNMC’s campaign runs through Oct. 28 and is being chaired by Barbara Hurlbert, M.D., professor of anesthesiology in the College of Medicine.
“Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have reminded us all how compassionate Nebraskans can be,” said Megan Addy, community relations coordinator in UNMC’s public affairs. “We hope individuals also will give to the local United Way campaign and help the agencies that serve our community on a day-to-day basis. It’s important that we support the United Way of the Midlands as the agency continues to focus on local needs.”
United Way also is the coordinator for the local Medical Reserve Corps, a team of health professionals who have agreed to volunteer their services in times of public health emergencies and other crises. The local MRC has about 340 members, including about 30 who volunteered to head to the hurricane zone.
Overall, the United Way of the Midlands hopes to raise $16.5 million through its 2005 campaign to help thousands of people in Douglas, Sarpy and Pottawattamie counties. Of every dollar donated to the campaign, 90 cents goes to programs and services that help people improve the quality of their lives.
And how have United Way contributions benefited UNMC?
- Over the past four years, the American Cancer Society has given $1.46 million back to UNMC for research.
- UNMC has received $1.5 million over the past three years from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
- $1.36 million from the American Heart Association currently assists UNMC projects.
United Way of the Midlands also has given a special gift of $35,000 to the American Red Cross disaster fund, on behalf of local United Way donors. United Way of the Midlands has made emergency gifts to the disaster relief fund in the past, too.
Donors’ gifts to the annual United Way campaign continue to support local disaster readiness. During 2005-2006, the Red Cross chapters in Omaha and Council Bluffs will receive more than $475,000 to provide direct disaster relief, and to aid in local crisis preparedness measures.
Donor dollars also support “Dial 2-1-1” which offers callers valuable referrals on local human services. But the 2-1-1 phone line also is intended to disseminate important community information during disasters, and to recruit volunteers for disaster relief projects. Right now in Louisiana, 2-1-1 is helping people local available shelters and food, as well as project sites for those who want to volunteer.