In the places where we live, many of us are surrounded by essential ingredients in a healthy life, such as adequate housing and public transportation, quality health care, and safe places to exercise and play. Unfortunately, for many others, these options are either too far away or economically out of reach, creating major obstacles in the pursuit of better health and quality of life.
Changing community environments in ways that make it easier for people to get and stay healthy.
Preventing illness and promoting health beyond the doctor's office, in homes, workplaces and communities.
Identifying root causes of different types of health disparities, and removing barriers to better health.
Addressing the wide range of factors which shape health in the places where we live, learn, work, and play.
From large cities to small towns, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is working to eliminate barriers to healthy choices, and help communities create or expand upon the types of systems that many of the healthiest places have in common. For instance:
Bringing about these kinds of changes requires the engagement of all sectors of a community—from government and policymakers, to business owners and civic groups, to parents and volunteers. It takes a lot of hard work. But across America, these changes are happening, and communities are transforming in ways that help put better health within everyone’s reach.