Health Topics
Access to Care
Access to care means that individuals can obtain the health services they need—including medical, dental, behavioral, and preventive care—without facing financial, geographic, linguistic, or cultural barriers. It involves having health insurance, transportation, nearby providers, and culturally competent care. When people... Read more
Active Living
Active living refers to incorporating physical activity into daily routines to support overall health and well-being. This can include walking or biking to work, playing with children, gardening, or participating in organized sports or fitness classes. Communities that promote active... Read more
Behavioral Health
Behavioral health encompasses mental health and substance use, focusing on how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors affect overall well-being. It includes the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, as well as substance use disorders. Supporting... Read more
Chronic Disease
Chronic diseases are long-lasting health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and asthma that often progress slowly over time. These conditions can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and require ongoing medical care and lifestyle management. Many chronic... Read more
Environmental Health
Environmental health focuses on the relationship between people and their environment, aiming to create conditions that promote healthy living. This includes ensuring clean air and water, safe housing, and protection from harmful substances like lead, pesticides, and industrial pollution. Environmental... Read more
Food Systems
A food system includes every step involved in producing, processing, distributing, consuming, and disposing of food. A healthy food system ensures that all community members have reliable access to nutritious, affordable, and culturally appropriate foods. This includes supporting local agriculture,... Read more
Housing
Housing plays a foundational role in a person’s health. Safe, stable, and affordable housing provides shelter and security, reducing stress and supporting physical and mental well-being. Poor housing conditions—such as overcrowding, lack of heating or ventilation, or exposure to mold,... Read more
Infectious Disease
Infectious diseases are illnesses caused by organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, and they can spread between individuals or through contaminated food, water, or surfaces. Examples include COVID-19, influenza, tuberculosis, and measles. Public health efforts to prevent and... Read more
Injury & Violence
Injury and violence prevention focuses on reducing harm caused by accidents and intentional acts, such as falls, car crashes, domestic violence, gun violence, and child abuse. These incidents can lead to physical trauma, disability, mental health issues, and even death.... Read more
Maternal & Child Health
Maternal and child health focuses on the health of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum, as well as the health and development of infants and young children. This area includes access to prenatal and postnatal care, nutrition, early childhood services,... Read more
Transportation
Transportation plays a vital role in shaping health outcomes by affecting access to jobs, schools, grocery stores, parks, and healthcare facilities. Safe, reliable, and affordable transportation options—such as public transit, walking paths, bike lanes, and accessible roads—enable people to engage... Read more