Community Health
Although chronic diseases are at crisis levels in America, much can be accomplished at a community level to fight chronic disease.
Community-focused health initiatives can reach a relatively large group of people with messages of health improvement that resonate with residents. Support of the community makes it easier for individual residents to accomplish their health goals. Every aspect of the community, including schools and workplaces, needs to be involved.
A few ways communities can support healthier living are to:
- Ensure the community infrastructure supports healthy habits (e.g., walking paths, safe playgrounds).
- Urge local school boards to support physical education and better nutrition in schools.
- Support local community organizations that focus on health and wellness.
- Make wellness a community priority by creating an environment that supports and promotes healthy behavior.
The Department of Health and Human Services Program "Healthy People 2010" offers a guide to community planning. Read more about this program »
Learn more about other model disease prevention and wellness programs »
