Thursday, Sep 4, 2014

Is your community positively affecting your health?

Children born in neighborhoods with safe parks, fresh produce and clean drinking water can live up to 20 years longer than those born in less advantaged neighborhoods.  In communities with poverty, poor air quality, stores that promote liquor and junk food, and a lack of sidewalks or parks, residents are much less likely to be healthy.

In California, many communities are making our children unhealthy.  In South Kern, the community faces many struggles including poverty, unhealthy air, unemployment, and low educational attainment.  Living in South Kern should not predict how long you live….but it does.

Building Healthy Communities is a comprehensive community initiative that is creating a revolution in the way Californians think about and support health in their communities.  Residents are proving that they can make health happen in their neighborhoods, schools and with prevention—and in doing so, they are creating a brighter future for their children.

Over 1,200 residents, youth, businesses and organizations are leading the Building Healthy Communities (BHC) South Kern effort to positively change the health of our communities through a shared vision, goals and action plan. Residents in Arvin, Lamont, Weedpatch and the unincorporated areas of Greenfield are proving that we have the power to make health happen in our communities.

BHC South Kern is promoting healthy change in the areas of:

• Education: Improving education from pre-K through adult

• Environment: Creating a healthy environment with clean air and water

• Health Access: Increasing access to a better health care system

• Recreation: Improving recreational activities, facilities and parks

Although creating real change can be difficult, our children deserve clean water, healthy food, safe places to learn and play, and access to health care so they can live long healthy lives.

We have the power to build healthy communities for the next generation. Let’s work together to improve our communities and create a brighter future for our children. Join the BHC South Kern initiative and help us build healthy communities. To get involved, call 661-845-2724 or visit www.healthysouthkern.org.