A Message from Robert K. Ross, M.D.:
How These Places Were Selected
This 10-year initiative of Building Healthy Communities builds on the wisdom and past experience of all our grantees and partners throughout California. Their work has demonstrated that the economic, physical, social and service environments in which people live have profound and lasting effects on the health of individuals, families and communities. Prevention is the key to meaningful and sustainable health improvement.
But after conducting research, expert interviews and due diligence, we realized that we could maximize the impact of our funding by targeting a specific number of communities. In this more focused approach, we will aim to address directly the root causes and systems that impact the health of Californians the most.
Our long-range strategy emphasizes the health of children and youth in low-income communities, and will link community-level success to a broader statewide policy and advocacy agenda to advance prevention.
We selected these underserved communities because they evidence the leadership and capacity to realize the Building Healthy Communities vision. And we welcome their partnerships as we begin to plan the 10-year initiative this upcoming year.
Robert K. Ross, M.D.
President and CEO |
