ChangeLab Solutions

Evidence shows that where people live plays a key role in their health. Housing, workplaces, street design, and transportation all influence prominent health factors such as safety, physical activity, access to healthy food, community engagement, and affordable living. ChangeLab Solutions has the tools to connect the dots between neighborhood resources and to help communities achieve their policy goals.

A healthy diet is key to maintaining good health. But many low-income children and families — those at greatest risk for preventable diseases like diabetes and heart disease — don’t have access to healthy foods and beverages in their neighborhoods. We work on a variety of policy strategies that make it easier for everyone to access healthy foods and beverages at home, at work, at school, and in stores.

Families have tremendous influence over the health of their children, but children are also cared for by other adults in their community. Child care and school environments often determine what children are offered to eat and drink outside the home, as well as how much time they have for physical activity. We work on a variety of child care and school policy strategies that can support families in raising healthy children.

Limiting access to tobacco products is the first step in preventing tobacco-related diseases. Effective strategies include eliminating the sale of tobacco products to minors, regulating electronic cigarettes, increasing enforcement of existing laws, and reducing exposure to secondhand smoke. We offer a wide range of resources to help communities tailor and implement policy options for tobacco prevention.

Health care systems and hospitals have opportunities to get involved in community public health initiatives. Partnering with advocates and local agencies, providing healthier foods and beverages, and leveraging community benefits allocations from hospitals can help keep people healthy and out of emergency rooms. Our resources can help health care organizations and hospitals work toward community-based prevention.