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What is a healthy community?
2003-04-30

An individual is healthy only if all the systems of the body are healthy and are working together.

Similarly, a community is healthy only if all its vital systems are functioning and doing their part.

Below are some of the components of community health that people have suggested to MCHC. Is this your vision also? What would you add? Send your suggestions to [email protected].

Health Care

Healthy communities provide quality health care for everyone, regardless of where they are employed, their age, or their circumstances.

Education K-12

Healthy communities provide quality basic education for all their children.

Higher Education

Healthy communities provide access to quality higher education for any student who can benefit from it.

Jobs

Healthy communities provide productive, useful jobs for all citizens who seek work. Workers are allowed freedom to organize and to engage in meaningful negotiations with their employers regarding salaries and working conditions. Good conditions for labor is viewed as a basic goal of the economy, not as a luxury to be considered after the goals of employers are realized.

Environment

Healthy communities have clean air, clean water, toxin-free food, productive forests and fisheries, and open space for people to enjoy. Healthy communities do not destroy the natural resources or ecosystems that will be needed for future generations.

Democracy

Healthy communities have the power to control their own destiny through citizen participation in democratic processes. In healthy communities, people are informed and engaged in making decisions about their lives. Healthy communities are able to stand up to pressure or blackmail that comes from powerful outside interests.

Assistance Programs

Healthy communities provide adequate assistance programs for people who have both transient and permanent needs. Misfortunes in employment, health, or marital situation do not result in catastrophes for families, children, or individuals. People who need help to reenter the workforce are assisted in making a speedy transition. Healthy communities make a lifelong commitment to providing for the basic needs of the members of the community.

Crime and Illegal Drugs

Healthy communities attack the root causes of crime and drug use, and reduce these problems to minimal levels. Healthy communities have effective and well-respected police and court systems. But because they have effective crime prevention programs they do not have large numbers of people in prison.

Justice and Equality

Healthy communities promote the welfare of each and every citizen, regardless of such distinctions as race, age, gender, sexual orientation, or age. Diversity is valued and its expression is encouraged. Citizens of all classes are full participants, contributing to the vitality of the economic and social life.

Tax Fairness

Healthy communities fund public programs with a fair tax system, that does not impose significant burdens on people who are struggling economically, and taxes at a higher rate those persons who have accumulated wealth from other people’s labor rather than their own.