What does it mean to be part of a community? Is it the zip code you live in? Your gym? Or maybe the art club you go to every week? All true. But today, we realize that community means so much more than that.
Our community defines us. It sheds light on who we are, what we value, and what we stand for. It’s the baker down the road whose pastries lift your spirit, the grocery clerk who is always smiling, and your neighbor who always provides a shoulder to lean on. Our community is sacred, so why is it then that so many people don’t know the importance of “whole community health”?
Securing our community’s future means putting the collective group’s health at the forefront. As Helen Keller once said, “alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.”
what is whole community health?
Whole community health refers to the overall physical and mental well-being of people in a specific area. Many people don’t know that by investing in community health, we can reduce health gaps stemming from race and ethnicity, location, social status, income, and more.
Investing in community health means approaching health from a collective perspective. As most of us know, there is no “i” in “team.” By working together, we can bring the greatest health benefits to the greatest number of people. Other benefits of community health include promoting a healthier lifestyle, helping prevent chronic diseases, and curbing the spread of infectious diseases by encouraging vaccinations.
what does community health impact?
Community Health impacts nearly every aspect of a person’s life. In fact, if one’s community is unhealthy, it can make it challenging to be a healthy person. The effects of community health can be felt in a person’s educational achievements, ability to work, financial well-being, life expectancy, and overall happiness.
Not to mention, health can impact a community’s crime rate and the desire of its members to participate in civic duties, such as voting, donating blood, volunteering, and more.
what can we do to improve community health?
The first step towards improving the overall health of a community is understanding why it even matters in the first place. When it comes to community health, we all play a role, we all make an impact.
Aside from discussing health with members of your community, prevention programs are one of the most effective tools to impact community health. Together, whole community health is possible.
