Every decade the U.S. Census provides an opportunity for residents in every community to be counted. The census is one of the most important datasets in the United States. In fact, much of the data reported in the County Health Rankings snapshots are census-related data. While we often associate the census with congressional representation, census data matter significantly to health equity.

Nearly 60 million Latinos live in the U.S., with growing populations in every region of the country.  Latinos face significant barriers to accessing the opportunities they need to be healthy. The good news is that community-based organizations (CBOs) are working to improve the health of the Latino communities they serve by strategically addressing the social determinants of health...

Discrimination based on race and ethnicity can negatively affect health across lifetimes and generations. Racial inequities are not random. They have been created and sustained over time by unfair and discriminatory policies and practices at many levels. Inequities will not disappear on their own, but communities have the power to disrupt them.

After decades of economic stagnation in Klamath County, Oregon—a region of about 66,000 people—the Healthy Klamath Coalition came together in 2012 to create a healthier community. Since then, the county has seen an increase in graduation rates and revitalization in parts of their urban center and has taken steps to create more jobs and stronger networks of interconnected social,...

This webinar will explore quality of care data included in the Rankings (i.e., preventable hospital stays, diabetic screening, mammography screening) as well as some of the policies and programs from What Works for...

This webinar will explore income data included in the Rankings (children in poverty, income inequality) and Additional Measures (median household income, children eligible for free lunch) as well as some of the policies and programs from What Works for Health that communities can use to address income. We will also talk with Nicole Keenan, former Policy Director for Puget...

Local police departments have a special role to play in improving a community’s health, from reducing violence and preventing crime to supporting strong community partnerships between neighborhoods, residents and community agencies. How can communities build effective partnerships with their local police departments? What are the challenges and how can these be addressed?

Tobacco use and excessive drinking are both leading causes of preventable death in the United States. Over 20% or the US adult population currently smokes cigarettes and 15% of adults drink excessively. The burden of tobacco use and alcohol are taking a large toll on the health of our local communities throughout the United States.