American Public Health Association’s Post

Housing is a key determinant of health. A healthy home in a thriving neighborhood can positively affect everything from physical, behavioral and mental health, to success in school and access to work, to social connection. But access to safe and affordable housing in today's economic, political and environmental climate is not in everyone's realm of possibility. Barriers to achieving this basic right, such as the following, are significant: -Housing has become increasingly unaffordable, driving up the number of families and children unhoused. -Industry, with policy approvals, targets communities of low wealth and Black and Brown people, persistently siting highways and toxic dumps in neighborhoods.  -Too many families are forced by low wages and lack of options to live in homes marred by lead, mold, and other toxins, driving up the rate of childhood asthma and other health risks.  -Past and present policies—upheld by elected officials, banks, and other institutions—lock families out of housing and generational wealth.  -Unchecked destructive climate events render whole communities unlivable. Join me on September 12 for a discussion hosted by Metropolitan Group on affordable housing, environment and health! My co-panelists include: -Amanda Reddy, National Center for Healthy Housing, on the principles of healthy housing for all. -Ed Johnson, Oregon Law Center, on arguing Grants Pass v. Johnson in the Supreme Court, insights on the impact of that decision on public health, and next steps in the fight for safe, affordable housing. -Kate Robb, American Public Health Association, on housing and health equity. -Steph Jarem, Oregon Health Authority, on leading Oregon’s efforts to cover housing under Medicaid, a key part of the state’s upstream strategies to address health inequities. I hope you can join the discussion! #healthequity #affordablehousing #environmentaljustice

Housing is Healthcare: The Indiana Connection Housing is a fundamental component of healthcare, particularly for vulnerable populations such as low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities in Indiana. Poor housing conditions are closely linked to numerous health issues, including respiratory diseases, mental health disorders, and chronic illnesses. Research by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority underscores that stable housing significantly reduces healthcare costs and improves health outcomes. For instance, children living in secure housing are less likely to develop chronic illnesses such as asthma, while seniors benefit from better access to healthcare services and support networks, leading to improved mental and physical health. Furthermore, addressing housing insecurities helps to alleviate stress and improve overall well-being, fostering a healthier community. Ensuring access to stable, safe, and affordable housing is a social responsibility and a critical public health strategy. Investing in housing solutions can reduce healthcare disparities and enhance the quality of life for all Hoosiers. #HousingIsHealthcare #PublicHealthIndiana #AffordableHousing

The demand for affordable senior housing and care is only going to increase as the US population ages. According to a Milken Institute report, there are barriers to access, but there are also potential paths forward to change the landscape of senior housing and care. 2024 is poised to redefine the way we perceive housing. It's not just about four walls; it's the cornerstone of our well-being. From innovative designs prioritizing wellness to tech integration ensuring safety, housing is becoming an active participant in healthcare strategies. We're witnessing a paradigm shift where homes are catalysts for better health outcomes. This year, we can expect a focus on neighborhoods fostering community health and repurposing existing spaces for an aging population. Let's embrace this evolution where housing isn't just a refuge but a proactive contributor to our health. #seniorhousing #healthcare #housingforhealth #innovation #agingpopulation

As the US population ages, the need for affordable and accessible housing and care is growing. While access remains a challenge, solutions are emerging to transform living options for older adults, according to a Milken Institute report. In 2024, housing is being redefined beyond just shelter; it's becoming key to well-being. With wellness-focused designs and technology for safety, homes are now integral to health strategies, marking a shift towards housing that actively supports better health. This year, the emphasis is on creating community-centric neighborhoods and adapting existing spaces for seniors. It's time to view housing not just as a place to live, but as an active player in maintaining health.

Housing is a key social determinant of health. It’s important to eliminate the silos to integrate these two vital services.

As advocates in the fair housing sector, we understand the deep connection between housing and health outcomes. That’s why we’re excited to invite you to our upcoming "Engaging Communities to Advance Health and Housing Equity" webinar on October 9, from 2:00-3:15 PM ET. In recent discussions around social determinants of health, it's clear: where we live significantly impacts our well-being. Economic stability, access to education, and neighborhood conditions all play crucial roles in health equity. Unfortunately, many communities—especially those affected by historical discrimination—still lack access to these essential resources. Join us as we explore how the Fair Housing Act and the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) mandate can serve as powerful tools for health practitioners. Together, we can dismantle systemic barriers and create environments that foster health equity for everyone, particularly those in marginalized communities. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the solution! Register 👉🏾 https://bit.ly/3zxN7rM #HealthEquity #fairhousing

From theory to practice. This is a great example of putting the theory of the social determinants of health in action!

In the February 2024 Housing & Health issue of Health Affairs, Mariana Arcaya of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and her team of coauthors offer an overview of the relationship between neighborhoods and health. Arcaya and coauthors identify institutions, physical and social environments, and neighborhood-based social networks as key links between neighborhoods and health outcomes. The researchers argue that community-led initiatives have potential to shift power to neighborhoods, aid in the dismantling of structural racism, and address health inequities. Read the full paper: https://hubs.la/Q02kL0vl0

Government of Nunavut, Nunavut Housing Corporation, Nunavut Tunngavik We see the very beginning of a similar model happening in Iqaluit with the Dept. of Family Medicine, Qikiqtani Genera Hospital's team weekly clinic at Uquutaq's main shelter site. Is there a reason that Nunavut could not move fully to this model in the Nuna3000 developments coming up, either NHC's sites or nonprofit sites? This model also exists in Vancouver with the support of the Aboriginal Housing Management Association , with appropriate cultural supports. A few years back I tried to get funding for a housing access and support program to help people who left the shelter get support to maintain their tenancies. Both GN Dept. of Family Services and Nunavut Housing Corporation said it wasn't in their mandates, yet there is pressure from the community and from funders to provide wrap-around services. Let's learn from the national sector and create a Nunavut model with government, Inuit led nonprofit and Inuit organizations partnerships.

We’re falling behind in a host of crucial areas, from health care and nutrition to child care and senior care. Without these services, we see senior citizens struggling to make do, children unprepared to thrive in school, poor health outcomes for people of all ages, higher healthcare costs, and insufficient skills to meet the demands of employers. via Next City https://hubs.ly/Q02ldXwx0