There is no one that understands the health issues at the local level more than Lora Whalen, Panhandle Health District Director. For this reason, she was selected to chair the United Way of Kootenai County's Health Impact Council. It is her role to establish a council of team members with knowledge and background in North Idaho Health Care issues.

"I support the positive impact that United Way has at the local level," states Whalen. "My goal was to recruit membership and populate the council with members who have knowledge, skills and experience in promoting health in our Kootenai County communities. The Health Impact Council's goal is to improve physical, mental and dental health in our community with an emphasis on wellness and prevention."

As the Health Impact Chair, some of the primary responsibilities are facilitating meetings that review grant proposals, attend partner agency site visits, and listening to applicant presentations. Whalen has involved an enthusiastic group of council members who are willing to donate their time and energy to completing these tasks. These individuals are invested in the work that United Way does, especially for the underserved and uninsured, and victims of domestic violence of our community.

"Engaging in our community is a priority for me," said Whalen. "I strongly believe in United Way's mission of working to improve the lives of people in our community. Panhandle Health District's vision is Healthy People in Healthy Communities, and United Way is a strong partner in this mission."

Whalen has been with the Panhandle Health District in North Idaho since 2001. She accepted the director position in 2010. Whalen has been involved with United Way for three years. "My husband and I have lived in this community for almost 23 years," says Whalen. "The beauty of the area brought us here. What has kept us here is the positive culture of our community, the community's willingness to come together and bring resolution to some pretty tough issues. We are the community that can!"

When asked how this experience has impacted her life, she shared, "I believe each of us can make a difference by reaching out to help others. My husband, Pat, and I thrive on volunteering. Pat is chair of the Boy's and Girl's club, an amazing organization that does so much good for so many. We are both Rotarians and enjoy the learning and giving environment that is Rotary. In addition to being a United Way volunteer, I am a CASA and a Heritage Health board member. Volunteering does make a difference."

Lora attended the University of Iowa where she received a degree in nursing and a BA in Spanish. She received her master's from the University of Idaho. After graduating from Iowa, Lora began her career as an Army nurse. Lora met her husband, Pat, in Germany and has been married for 24 years. After leaving the military, they moved to Post Falls to raise their family. They have two children of their own but always opened their home and hearts to many more over the years.

Volunteer Opportunity

Join the staff of Idaho Drug Free Youth for a week at one of the most beautiful summer camps in Idaho. The Idaho Youth Summit at Camp Lutherhaven in Coeur d'Alene, ID brings together kids ages 13-18 for a week of inspiring and empowering workshops, speakers, and teen-led activities.

Idaho Drug Free Youth is looking for experienced, flexible, patient, and caring RNs who like to be around teenagers! Daily responsibilities include, but are not limited to, dispensing medications, providing care to sick and/or injured campers and staff, and assisting with the supervision of the camp community's overall health and safety.

Duties begin on June 8 and conclude on June 13. Food, private lodging, and a staff T-shirt and sweatshirt will be provided!

For further details about this opportunity and other volunteer opportunities in the community, please visit www.kootenaiunitedway.org, click on the "VOLUNTEER" link to GET CONNECTED to our Volunteer Center, or contact Jeanette Laster at United Way of Kootenai County, (208) 667-8112, Ext. 101.

Get Connected!

The United Way of Kootenai County Volunteer Center

GET CONNECTED!

* "One-Stop Volunteer Resource Center" for the whole community

* Ongoing and one-time volunteer opportunities

* TAKE ACTION

(208) 667-8112

Visit the United Way's Volunteer Center website: www.kootenaiunitedway.org

GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER