Connecting communities
A healthy lifestyle isn't always easy given the barriers that exist in our communities. People need homes that are affordable, clean and safe. They also need dependable transportation. We used a CHP grant to host community discussions that led to a partnership with a local housing developer who is redesigning homes to fit a healthy model. In our discussions, people also pointed out that rural communities lack public transportation, limiting access to parks, jobs and good grocery stores. Robust discussions led to action. County transportation planners are now looking to expand bus routes to better serve these communities. Reducing barriers to health is possible, and when it's done right, everyone benefits! — Karen Levy Keon, Health Equity Alliance, Corvallis
Overcoming obstacles
Refugees bring many talents to Oregon's communities and add to our cultural diversity. When they get here, however, they often face discrimination, language barriers, feelings of isolation and emotional distress due to displacement. We hosted discussions with local refugee communities focusing on education, jobs and health issues. Funded by a CHP grant, the sessions offered a chance for these remarkable people to connect with each other, to heal, and thus begin the process of living healthier lives. — Dr. Pierre Morin, Lutheran Community Services, Portland
Keeping kids healthy
Screen time is making our kids sick. They are sitting instead of moving, holding video game controllers instead of basketballs and being inundated with commercials for fast food. Childhood obesity is a serious problem in America – and excessive screen time doesn't help. Our goals are to get kids away from TV and computer screens, improve access to recreation centers, and encourage kids to bike or walk to school. Obesity is a social and cultural issue with medical implications. Thanks to a CHP grant, we'll have the chance to work with nutritionists, parents, teachers and pediatricians to help raise community awareness and provide healthy alternatives for our kids. — Laurie Trieger, LCHAY – Lane Coalition for Healthy Active Youth, Eugene
Northwest Health Foundation
Northwest Health Foundation is proud to support communities that are looking for solutions to better health. We are especially interested in raising the voices of those who want to change the conversation from individual to community well-being. — Nichole Maher, MPH, Executive Director, Native American Youth & Family Center and Northwest Health Foundation Board Member
To apply for a Community Health Priorities grant, please visit www.communityhealthpriorities.org
Join the conversation: Community Health Priorities, a Northwest Health Foundation Project
http://www.communityhealthpriorities.org
