As many steps as we might take to keep our bodies healthy—eating well, exercising, and getting plenty of water—we can’t forget to keep our communities healthy too. Many external factors influence the health of a city, region, or other place’s population. When something goes wrong with the system, it can lead to widespread illness, injury, and even death. If you want to get involved with keeping your hometown in good health through community organization, start by understanding four things that can affect a community’s general health.
Physical Hazards
A neighborhood features physical structures, roads, sidewalks, and other objects. Some are visible; some are hidden. Some are part of nature; some, we built. The state of these features can have a direct effect on local health. A lack of street lighting can cause accidents at night. Cracks in the sidewalk can cause people to trip or make it difficult for those with mobility impairments to get around. More insidiously, lead in tap water and noxious emissions from a local factory can both cause long-term community damage. Understanding the role of the Environmental Protection Agency regarding potential hazards such as these can help communities contact the right people with concerns and bring lasting change to their neighborhoods.
Neighborhood Services
A neighborhood is more than just buildings, of course. The services a neighborhood offers, or more often, fail to offer, can affect residents’ health. The availability of parks, playgrounds, and other open spaces where people can both exercise and play affects a community’s physical health. Readily available public transportation and walkable neighborhoods can also provide exercise opportunities while cutting down on vehicle emissions. Greater access to healthy food via grocery stores and farmers’ markets is better than concentrated convenience stores as well.
Social Opportunities
The third of our four things that can affect a community’s general health has a social aspect to it. A community where citizens can easily interact with one another is a healthier community. A neighborhood benefits from having spaces for people to gather, talk, and plan together. Teams and clubs give children opportunities to socialize, keep in shape, and establish relationships. A community needs a support system powered by friendships and mutual respect. Start by establishing social outreach programs about community improvement via the local government, library, or other venues.
Economic Opportunities
It goes without saying that without investment in a community, both financial and educational, a community cannot improve. To thrive, a community requires jobs, safe homes and streets, and citizens who know how to make community-conscious choices.
