Interact for Health released a new report inspired by data that found a 26-year life expectancy difference between neighborhoods in our region. Interact for Health aims to change the way people view our community’s health by highlighting the persistent structures and systems that undermine health and well-being for people in our community.
The report found four major obstacles that prevent our region from being a place where all people have the opportunity to live their healthiest lives:
• Many people in our region do not have the vital conditions for good health in the places where they live, work, and play.
• Systemic racism and discrimination remain prevalent.
• Social isolation and loneliness are taking a toll on mental health, especially for young people.
• Too many people feel powerless to affect change in their community.
“At Interact for Health, we envision a future where everyone has a chance to live a long and full life – no matter who they are or the neighborhood in which they are born. To get there, we must understand – and ultimately address – the conditions that prevent us from leading longer, healthier lives,” said Kate Schroder, President and CEO of Interact for Health.
In addition, the report also includes policy interventions and examples of organizations and initiatives already implementing solutions to these hurdles.
The report launch included an event featuring bestselling author Heather McGhee. McGhee’s book, The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs All of Us, explores the impact structural racism has on our ability to find collective solutions to our most pressing issues.
Read the full report at ourhealthouropportunity.org.
Interact for Health