We work with grassroots communities to connect their individual and collective health to their history, the places they live, and the decisions they make daily. History matters, place matters & our everyday decisions matter for health outcomes.
Community Health
Health is more than the absence of disease—it’s about vibrant living that honors the whole person. It takes into account our history, as well as the places where we live, play, work, learn worship and chill out. Healthy communities nourish us physically, intellectually, and socially. We’re engaged in several initiatives to build healthier communities for all ages.
Cleveland Healthy Kids’ Meals Campaign
The campaign aims to address critical kids’ health needs in Cleveland by improving the quality of restaurant kids’ meals, particularly the inclusion of sugary sweet drinks that exceed the American Heart Association’s recommendation of no more than 8 ounces per week. Read all about it on our blog, here.
Lead Safe Cleveland Coalition
We’re working closely with grads and more than 150 partner organizations to raise awareness and reduce lead hazards in Cleveland homes that lead to elevated blood lead levels in babies and children, and learning disabilities that can often follow.
Equity in Birth Outcomes
Our Neighborhood Navigators work with residents to educate their neighbors on health issues that directly impact their lives. To support the health of our youngest citizens and combat infant mortality, navigators are working to connect pregnant women and teens in Cuyahoga County to supportive health and social services.
An assessment is completed for the pregnant mom, which allows the Navigator to match them to available resources. Navigation services can be accessed by calling Beverly Moore at 216-658-1363. Stay engaged with us on Facebook and Instagram.
44128: One Community is a collaboration with the Cuyahoga County Board of Health to decrease the number of babies who die in their first year of life in the 44128 zip code. This area has had some of the highest rates of infant death in the county, and includes a cross section of Cleveland and an inner ring suburb, making it an ideal location to pilot this approach.
Planning began in 2016 and the pilot started in January of 2017. It brings together resident involvement and public health information from the Cuyahoga County Board of Health using the Collective Impact framework. Participants include NEON’s Moms & Babies First program and dozens of community organizations, facilitated by Erika Hood, NLC Class 31.
Some of the activities accomplished include
- Creating breastfeeding friendly spaces in churches and child care centers.
- Door to door canvassing.
- Community baby showers to celebrate expectant mothers.
- Kwanzaa celebrations and stress reducing events.
The infant death rate in the pilot area for 2017 was zero. We celebrate this impact—The Plain Dealer described it as a promising win—and are excited about the potential to bring the model to other communities.
You are invited to participate. 44128: One Community meets the 4th Tuesday of each month from 6-8 pm at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 4069 Eastwood Lane, Warrensville Heights, Ohio 44128.
For more information, call Marie Jones, 216-658-1365.