COMMUNITY SUCCESSES
COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES
Having a job has greater benefits than just getting a paycheck. People who are employed are less likely than those who are unemployed to report mental health issues like sadness or anxiousness.
People who have the opportunity to complete more education live healthier and longer lives.
Low Food Access—Areas with a
significant number or share of the
population living far from the nearest healthy food store such as supermarkets, supercenters, or
ethnic
grocery
grocers.
Food Desert—An area with Low Food Access that is also Low Income (Median
Household Income at or below 80% of the region’s MHI, or with a poverty rate of 20% or higher).
Food Swamp—An area with many fast food restaurants and convenience stores
but
few
grocery stores. Food swamps contribute to obesity and are more often located in communities of
color.
Neighborhoods that have parks, trails, and walker-friendly streets, as well as less trash and graffiti, encourage people to be more physically active.
NOTE: Bus routes grouped by Frequency of Transit
People who live in neighborhoods that are disadvantaged (by high poverty, unemployment, and many adults lacking high school education) are also less likely to have a regular doctor or place for health care. This increases their chances of getting sick and not getting care when they need it.
“Health does not just mean the physical well-being of the individual but
refers
to
the social, emotional, spiritual and cultural well-being of the whole community.” -Australian
Aborginal
People,
1996
The iHEART collaborative exists to extend cardiovascular care and provide opportunities for people to live longer, healthier lives. Community residents and organizations are encouraged to apply for grants up to $11,000 to support community-driven approaches to addressing cardiovascular disease (ex: blood pressure, physical activity, healthy food access, health equity, diabetes, nutrition). Projects must be within the following zip codes: 46203, 46201, 46225, 46107, 46206.
Community and Social Context
Tight-knit communities protect and promote the health of the whole. The percentage of residents who trust others, consider people willing to help each other out, and participate in volunteer community groups is associated with how long residents live on average.