United Way has long been an important part of my life, and I encourage you to contribute to this year’s campaign. United Way of Johnson & Washington Counties (UWJWC) is an active, generous organization that works hard to improve our community.

I served as a board member of the United Way of Champaign County for a number of years in Illinois, and I saw firsthand what a difference the organization makes in people’s lives. United Way helps create thriving, safe, and supportive communities, lifting people up when they need a hand and contributing to a high quality of life for all. The power of United Way is in partnership, and the University of Iowa is proud to be a partner with United Way of Johnson & Washington Counties, both currently and historically, in so many areas: in providing medical and dental services to children, in fostering early childhood development, in preventing domestic abuse, and so much more.

This year’s campaign is focused on mental health and well-being, which is a major priority for the university. Nationally, 1 in 5 individuals will experience a mental health diagnosis this year; 1 in 17 adults will experience a serious mental illness that will have a profound impact on their life. And every one of us needs to tend to our own mental health and well-being during the COVID pandemic. UWJWC’s mental health initiative will support the teaching of mindfulness and healthy skills for our area high school students. It is also supporting the United Ways of Iowa 2-1-1 Resource Center, which provides a 24/7 hotline to free health and human service information and referral resources.

We make it easy for you to contribute to United Way of Johnson & Washington Counties through this page, either through payroll deduction or by making a one-time gift. I urge you to make a donation and join me in the campaign to Live United.

Barbara J. Wilson

President

The University of Iowa