In celebration of National Public Health Week (NPHW), Master of Public Health students share what the theme of each day during NPHW means to them, faculty across campus and the Boise State community.
“The field of public health is grounded in the fundamental truth that we are all in this together — that our health is connected and we are stronger as a Nation when we work together to lift everyone’s well-being. “ – Presidential Proclamation, March 31, 2023.
According to the National Public Health Week website, the following help make a healthy neighborhood: Having safe places to live, without hazards or pollution. Having safe ways for everyone to be active, like sidewalks, and safe places to bike. Having easy access to fresh, affordable, nutritious and culturally appropriate food.
When our neighborhoods are healthy, we have the building blocks for healthy lives.
Here in Idaho, there are several projects and initiatives focused on building and supporting healthy neighborhoods. A new Boise zoning code is working to implement smaller-scale neighborhoods and support small businesses and walkability. Transportation is a key component to healthy neighborhoods, and Boise has plans for investments in multimodal corridors on Vista, Fairview, State Street and Federal way.
Healthy neighborhoods is not just a universal catch phrase — it can mean different things to different communities. For some, it might mean better access to walking trails in the foothills, to others it might mean access to fresh produce at a nearby store. To so many of us, a healthy neighborhood is synonymous with an affordable neighborhood near education and employment opportunities.
Whatever your focus is, there are a variety of organizations and coalitions to get involved with to make sure your voice is heard, and you can make an impact on developing healthy neighborhoods. More info can be found at www.compassidaho.org.
Master of Public Health Student Authors: Oliver Thompson, Sarah Green, Danny Sandoval, Lexi Cole