According to Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Commission to Build a Healthier America, “people can make healthier choices if they live in neighborhoods that are safe, free from violence and designed to promote health. Ensuring opportunities for residents to make healthy choices should be a key component of all community and neighborhood development initiatives.”
The Wellmark Foundation focus continues to be on efforts to support health and community-based wellness and prevention. What is different this year is an enhanced emphasis on policy development, collaborative efforts and community involvement that results in long-lasting change. While all efforts to improve the health of a community through programs and education are commendable, our focus is on changing community conditions that will improve community health now and for generations to come in our focus areas:
- Safe and healthy environments in which to be active
- Access to and consumption of healthy foods