Behind the Recommendations: Why the RWJF Commission to Build a Healthier America is Calling for Integration of Health and Community Development and What YOU Can Do in Your Community

Nearly a fifth of all Americans live in unhealthy neighborhoods marked by limited job opportunities, low-quality housing, limited access to healthy food, or few opportunities for physical activity.   And health can vary dramatically from neighborhood to neighborhood—sometimes in places just a few miles apart. 

Changing how we approach neighborhood revitalization through increased collaboration between health, community development, and other sectors is a key focus of recommendations released in January 2014 by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Commission to Build a Healthier America.

The Commission’s recommendations report identified promising models and programs in communities across the country, ranging from simple “joint use agreements” and small Play Streets initiatives that provide open spaces and opportunities for kids to stay physically active to comprehensive efforts like Purpose Built Communities in Atlanta.  Commissioners also pointed to funding sources to address costs that can range from negligible to expensive.  

This session will provide an in-depth look at the Commission’s recommendations, including the model programs and policies, funding sources and new partners that Commissioners considered.    Discussion will touch on the following questions:

•           How did a national commission on health come to the conclusion that neighborhood revitalization is critical to improving health?

•           What are some of the most promising models and programs and how do we replicate or scale up elements elsewhere?

•           Why is it essential for the health sector to engage new partners?  Who should be at the table and why? 

•           Why is it critical to consider multiple funding sources for new programs and initiatives?