1. All children have health coverage. 1.5 million children
in California are uninsured. Working toward coverage for all kids will improve
health care and lower costs in the future as healthy children become healthy
adults.
2. Families have improved access to a “health home” that
supports healthy behaviors. A “health home” offers a home base for health care
where a primary doctor provides culturally appropriate, consistent care and
coordinates with other professionals to meet all of a family’s health needs.
3. Health and family-focused human services shift resources
toward prevention. We’re working toward a health care system that places
greater emphasis on preventing illness instead of only responding in times of
medical crisis.
4. Residents live in communities with health-promoting land
use, transportation and community development. Public officials and residents
are collaborating to bring needed businesses, like grocery stores, to
underserved neighborhoods, make sure parks are clean and welcoming for all
ages, and ensure that people can safely walk, bike or take public
transportation.
5. Children and families are safe from violence in their
homes and neighborhoods. Violence prevention is not just the business of the
police department. It’s a public health issue, and it’s preventable. Youth,
parents, faith leaders, law enforcement, and local business are joining forces
to create alternatives to violence along with new opportunities for kids.
6. Communities support healthy youth development. Mobilizing
youth as leaders and change agents, and supporting kids to stay in school, find
meaningful work, and connect with caring adults helps the next generation to
thrive.
7. Neighborhood and school environments support improved
health and healthy behaviors. Healthy neighborhoods happen in places that
promote good indoor air quality, healthy food choices, physical activity
options, and prevention-focused school health clinics.
8. Community health improvements are linked to economic
development. All communities deserve their fair share of economic resources.
New projects should balance economic gains with health and environmental
concerns, and guarantee that local residents reap the benefits of economic development.
9. Health gaps for boys and young men of color are narrowed.
Addressing the social, educational and economic disadvantages faced by boys and
young men of color is essential to community health. Success here means equity in schools, more job
opportunities, more alternatives to incarceration and new youth development
approaches tailored to them.
10. California has a shared vision of community health. This
goal is about changing social norms. It requires a shared awareness of all the
factors that contribute to health, a focus on prevention and a movement of
people who advocate for health. This new awareness leads to changes in laws,
policies and practices that improve not only the health of individual
communities, but all Californians.
