When we think about who funds efforts to build healthy communities, we typically think of philanthropy, government, or health care organizations. It's true, community health improvement efforts tend to rely on grants from such groups. But the field of funders is broader than grantmakers. It extends to Community Development Financial Institutions, investors who fund social impact bonds, and businesses.
Government entities range from the local to state and federal levels. The people who make up the sector are also varied. They include career public service employees, government leaders, and elected officials.
Health behaviors are health-related practices, such as diet and exercise, that can improve or damage the health of individuals or community members. Health behaviors are determined by the choices available in the places where people live, learn, work and play.
Hospital administrators, physicians, nurses, and other health leaders can see where the health problems are and work to identify and create solutions. Health care organizations generally include health systems, hospitals, clinics, community health centers, federally qualified health centers, pharmacies, mental health organizations, and health insurers.
Many things influence how well and how long we live. Health Factors represent those things we can improve to live longer and healthier lives. They are indicators of the future health of our communities.
Health Outcomes tell us how long people live on average within a community, and how much physical and mental health people experience in a community while they are alive.
