Cranston, East Providence, West End Named 'Health Equity Zones'

CRANSTON, RI — Three Rhode Island cities have been named "Health Equity Zones" by the Rhode Island Department of Health. Cranston, East Providence, the West End of Providence join seven already-established zones and will share $1.4 million in funding to help develop programs to make local communities healthier. The "place-based" approach allows communities to approach health more holistically, focusing on more than just a clinical setting.

According to RIDOH, up to 80 percent of health outcomes are determined outside of the doctor's office — think of factors like access to affordable, healthy food, quality educations, safe neighborhoods and more.

"We are thrilled to expand our Health Equity Zones initiative to additional Rhode Island communities," said RIDOH Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH. "With plans for strong mentorship from existing Health Equity Zones, these communities are taking the forces that shape their health and well-being into their own hands."

The department received applications from more than a dozen communities across Rhode Island. Each application was submitted by a community organization that will serve as the community health zone's support system. The East Bay Community Action Program, Comprehensive Community Action Plan and West Elmwood Housing Corporation are the partners for the newest zones. The Department of Health will work with these organization to provide funding and ensure the best plans are being implemented.

The Health Equity Zone initiative has an initial year-long contract and can be renewed for up to four additional years based on the success of individual programs and how much funding is available.

Rhode Island's already established health equity zones have so far shown measurable results, including a decrease in teen pregnancy in Central Falls, a 36 percent increase in the accessibility of fresh fruits and vegetables in Olneyville and, in programs across the state, an increase in community engagement of 163 percent.

More information on the program is available on RIDOH's website.

"I can’t wait to see what [the new cities] accomplish over the next few years as we continue to lift up this initiative as a national model of how such an infrastructure led by community members can create the conditions needed for every person to thrive," Alexander-Scott said.