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Healthy Communities

When it comes to health, where you live matters

Our Impact

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  • 13.5M+ CA residents in communities that limit the # of marijuana retail outlets, as recommended by Getting it Right from the Start
  • 500K telephone health surveys conducted in English, Spanish, Chinese & Vietnamese since 1987 by Survey Research Group
  • 19 CA state departments with Racial Equity Action Plans, thanks in part to PHI's HiAP team

Our Work

When it comes to health, where you live matters: Neighborhoods can create opportunities for—or barriers to—health. In fact, zip code is a better predictor of health than genetic code. PHI works within and alongside communities to build health, with a particular emphasis on reducing health disparities by amplifying local leadership, dismantling structural barriers and addressing the social determinants of health. We work collaboratively to increase access to safe opportunities for physical activity, improve the built environment, reduce exposure to hazards in the environment and expand the availability of affordable, healthful foods.

Critical Issues

Pioneering Expertise

Strategic Initiatives

PHI Priority

Building Health Equity

In 2017, PHI's CA4Health and Dialogue4Health co-hosted a 3-part Understanding Marijuana web forum series focused on understanding the effects of marijuana on our health and how to address the long-term residual consequences of its criminalization in our communities. Over 3,000 attendees tuned in to hear attorneys, law enforcement, racial justice organizations, researchers and city officials from across the country discuss what legalization means for health and public health, and how cannabis legalization will impact and present opportunities in poor, previously incarcerated, and people of color communities.

Programs

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PHI is Leading the Conversation

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Tools to Stay Safe from Wildfires & Extreme Heat

Communities around the world are grappling with dangerous wildfires and extreme heat. These threats pose serious risks to environmental and community health—from rising temperatures, unhealthy air pollutants, water contamination and more. Find tools, resources and examples of how communities are taking action.

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