Pathways to Health Equity

Our communities are where we live, learn, work, and play. While many communities have the resources they need to fully thrive, there are communities across the United States without sufficient access to jobs, adequate transit, safe and affordable housing, parks and open space, healthy food options, or quality education. These differences in opportunity mean that a person’s health can depend on his or her zip code. In fact, life expectancy can vary by as many as 15 years depending on income level, education, and where you live.

A report of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, finds that communities are taking action to address health inequities in the United States. Partners in education, transportation, housing, planning, public health, business, and many other sectors are joining forces with community members to promote health equity.

Where do health inequities come from, and what are some promising community-driven approaches to improving health and well-being?

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