Community Interventions for Health

Chronic Disease: The Challenge in New Haven

Today, chronic diseases are the most prevalent and costly of all health problems among Americans. They are also the most preventable.  New Haven is at elevated risk for chronic diseases and many negative health outcomes when compared to Connecticut and the US as a whole. For example, high rates of obesity among New Haven’s children (50% greater than across Connecticut and US) put them at elevated risk for heart disease, diabetes and cancer. 

Although this portrays a troubling picture of poor health in New Haven, the severity of many adverse health outcomes can be prevented or reduced.  The Community Alliance for Research and Engagement (CARE), a community-university partnership, has committed to taking collaborative action through the use of evidence-based programs and policies to improve health in New Haven. By virtue of our mission, intellectual capital, and investments in the City, leadership in New Haven and at Yale University play a critical role to revitalize our community by promoting the health of our citizens. CARE has secured a position for New Haven to be the first US City to participate as a full partner in Community Interventions for Health (CIH):

• Comprehensive Approach:  CIH will be the largest and broadest multi-national community-based intervention study ever undertaken. 
• Multi-sectoral:  CIH will both intervene (e.g., programs, policy change, health promotion, social marketing) and collect longitudinal health data in four sectors: neighborhoods, schools, worksites, and health centers.
• Risks & Barriers:  CIH addresses both risk factors for chronic disease and barriers to change to promote healthy diet and physical activity and to prevent tobacco use.
• Urgent Need:  We must attain greater understanding of best practices in both developed and developing countries – otherwise millions of lives will be lost and billions of unnecessary dollars will be spent on treatment.

Click here for a more detailed overview of CIH.

Click here for an idea of our collaborative plans with the New Haven Public Schools.

More information and updates coming soon!

 

Resources

Overview of CIH

Collaborative plans with
New Haven Public Schools

3FOUR50 Campaign

Oxford Health Alliance