Catalyzing action to build a Culture of Health: Working at the intersection of data, design, and strategic communications

A growing body of research shows that your zip code can predict life expectancy better than your genetic code. A collection of maps developed and released by the Virginia Commonwealth University’s Center on Society and Health in collaboration with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation —showing life expectancy at birth—contextualize the research and clearly illustrate that opportunities to lead a long and healthy life can vary dramatically by neighborhood. This isn’t a problem unique to big cities, small towns or rural areas—but rather, a pattern that’s found across America.

To build a Culture of Health—where every person, no matter where they live, has the opportunity to lead a long and healthy life—we must improve people’s opportunities to be healthy in the places where they live, learn, work and play.

This presentation will provide an in-depth look at how bringing data to life through resources like the maps has and can catalyze action across sectors and engage diverse partners in conversation that leads to action in addressing the root causes of poor health. The discussion will touch on the following questions:

• How can translating data through concise visuals help engage stakeholders beyond researchers?

• How can resources like these maps spark conversation across sectors outside of health?

• How can we leverage tools like the life expectancy maps in conversations around building a Culture of Heath?

• What are the strategies to support communities and leaders in moving this research to action?