Janine A.

Salvacion November 22, 2010

MW 2-1

HEALTHY COMMUNITY

Community – a social group of people interacting with each other, determined by geographic
boundaries, living together to attain certain and common goals and sharing the same interest.

Community Health – a branch of medical and paramedical approach and intervention

concerned of the health of the whole population. It is designed to benefit the Public Health.

Healthy Community

- One which include those elements that enable people to maintain a high quality of life
and productivity.

- access to health care services that focus on both treatment and prevention for all
members of the community; a safe community; the presence of roads, schools, playgrounds, and
other services to meet the needs of the people in that community; and a healthy community has a
healthy and safe environment.

- A community that is continuously creating and improving those physical and social
environments and expanding those community resources that enable people to mutually support
each other in performing all the functions of life and in developing to their maximum potential.

Characteristics of a Healthy Community

1. The members are aware of their own health and biologic status.
2. Members give credit to the governing authority.
3. The natural and biological resources are open for everybody, but the consumption is
controlled to help in preserving these resources.
4. Has a strong and reliable governing body.
5. The people work together to attain independence.
6. Environmental and physiologic needs are sustained by the community and families.
7. Parents and guardians serve as role models for children.
8. The parents are concerned with their health status.
9. Health needs are accessible and affordable to the public and free for the indigent.

10.Everyone is working to attain Healthy Citizenry.

Classification
Janine A. Salvacion November 22, 2010
MW 2-1

1. Rural or the Open Lands – usually places in the provincial areas where people make
earn their living by agriculture.
2. Urban or the City – a non-agricultural type of community.
3. Suburban or the Capitals – usually the capital of provinces where there is a mix of
agriculture and industry.

Components of a Healthy Community

1. Safe & supportive family

2. Children (0-6)healthy & ready to learn
3. Healthy, Positively involved adolescents
4. Treatment & Intervention for troubled youth
5. Educational & economic opportunities
6. Effective,coordinated system of services
7. Engaged and informed community
8. Safe & vital neighborhoods

Elements of a Healthy Community

Category Elements
Adequate Housing
-Affordable housing
-Safe housing
-Diverse housing types (i.e., family-sized units,
single-family, multi-family, rental, ownership,
co-ops, condos)
-Housing near commercial districts
-Economically and racially integrated housing
-Protection of existing housing

Healthy Economy -Locally owned businesses

-Living wage local jobs with benefits
-Local economy; Money flowing through the
neighborhood
Access to Goods and Services
-Neighborhood commercial district to provide
daily needs (i.e., small, locally-owned
businesses)
-Healthy and affordable foods (i.e., locally
grown, organic, farmers markets)
-Community services and resources (i.e.,
Janine A. Salvacion November 22, 2010
MW 2-1

youth, senior, health, after school, childcare)

-Community leisure activities (i.e., gyms,
entertainment, sports and recreational
facilities, community gardens and tool sheds)
-Affordable and accessible transit
Public Infrastructure
-Quality schools
-Safe parks, playgrounds, -sports/recreation
areas and open space with amenities (i.e.,
benches, landscaping)
-Walkable streets and sidewalks with amenities
(i.e., seating and resting areas)
-Multiple transportation options (i.e.,
pedestrian, bicycling, public transit,
automobile)
-Clean and functional public transit
-Disability access
-Libraries
-Wildlife
-Protection of business districts
-Protection of existing infrastructure
Environmental, Stewardship
-Clean air
-Solar/renewable energy sources
-Green and/or sustainable infrastructure
-Local power
-Sustainable agriculture
Safety and Security
-Peace
-Clean and calm streets
-Wide sidewalks
-Well-lit streets and walkways
-Short blocks
-Narrow streets
-Crosswalks and countdown signals
-Bicycle and pedestrian protections
Social Cohesion and Support
-Schools
-Porches
-Neighborhood gardens
-Gathering places where community interacts,
meet neighbors, gets involved)
-Active street life and uses
Social and Economic Diversity
-Access for all to infrastructure and facilities
-Resident diversity (i.e., socioeconomic,
Janine A. Salvacion November 22, 2010
MW 2-1

family, youth, seniors)

-Cultural groups and centers
-Resources and organized activities for youth
-Healthy jobs (i.e., with pensions, insurance,
good wages)
-Ability to make and spend money in the
neighborhood
-Outdoor gathering places
-Peace

Factors Affecting Community Health

1. Socio-economy
2. Hereditary
3. Health Care Delivery System
4. Activities and Lifestyle
5. Political And Environment
6. Environment

Effects of a Healthy Community

1. Primary needs are fulfilled

2. Health care services are available and accessible
3. There is 100% literacy
4. People have sustainable livelihoods
5. Social, cultural and religious activities are accessible
6. There is an eco-friendly environment
7. Social security is assured
8. Human rights are respected
9. People accept their responsibilities and duties
10. There is peaceful co-existence and harmony
11. There is good governance
12. There is no gender bias.