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Using the tools of democracy for better health
There’s a growing body of evidence that shows that people living in areas with structural barriers, such as laws that restrict voter eligibility, registration and opportunities to participate, have lower voter turnout and shorter life expectancy. In our second episode, hosts Beth Silver and Ericka Burroughs-Girardi are joined by Daniel Dawes, executive director of the Institute of Global Health Equity at Meharry Medical College, and the founder of the political determinants of health framework. Dawes discusses how the political determinants have shaped communities’ ability to define and address public problems. Dr. Peniel Joseph, an author, professor and founding director of the Center for the Study of Race and Democracy at The University of Texas at Austin, also joins the conversation to provide examples of how tools of democracy — historical and present — have shaped where we are today.
Vicksburg’s Continued Journey and the Power of Listening
Vicksburg, Mississippi is one of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Culture of Health Prize winning communities. We spoke to Michele Connelly, United Way of West Central Mississippi’s...
Video: Community Health Partnerships - “We Need Everyone at the Table”
Community partnerships are vital for an effective public health system, according to Judith Monroe, M.D., the newly appointed director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Office for State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial Support.
Video: Introducing the 2010 County Health Rankings
How healthy is your county? What do the Rankings mean? How can you use the Rankings to improve health in your community? Join County Health Rankings researchers and RWJF President and CEO Risa Lavizzo-Mourey for a video spotlight answering these questions and telling the story of how one county used the Rankings to inspire action and change the health status quo.
Video: Taking Action in Clare County, Michigan
Intended as a "call to action" for state and local health departments, the County Health Rankings have already galvanized communities to take positive action in spots all over the country. When Clare County, Michigan, ranked last in its state, Central Michigan District Health Officer Mary Kushion immediately convened a summit to engage leaders, officials, and community-members in a discussion of the rankings.
Videos: The Stories of San Bernardino, CA and Hernando, MS
San Bernardino County, CA
County Health Department takes lead to improve area’s poor health ranking
Virginia Commonwealth University Releases New Life Expectancy Maps for Major U.S. Cities
Four new life expectancy maps illustrate that opportunities to lead long and healthy lives vary dramatically by neighborhood. Released today, the maps— created by researchers at the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Center on Society and Health with funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF)—highlight how babies born only miles apart in cities including...
“We Are the Future:” How Youth Are Leading and Creating Change in Gonzales, CA
With 1 in 3 residents under the age of 18, 2019 RWJF Culture of Health Prize winner Gonzales knew truly representative policy and systems change could only be achieved if youth had a seat at the table. Thus, the Gonzales Youth Council (GYC) was born, carving a path for youth to lead and creating a powerful platform for them to voice their concerns and shape solutions.