Bring Health and Wellness Into Every Neighborhood

Health begins where people live. Many families skip care because clinics are too far, too expensive, or unwelcoming. Wellness hubs address this by providing health, nutrition, and counseling services in spaces such as community centers, schools, and libraries. When care is local, people remain healthier and communities thrive.

To Get Started:

• Choose a trusted place: Select a place with which people have familiarity, such as a community center, library, or school. Speak with residents to ensure that the location is accessible and meets the needs of the neighborhood.

• Bring partners to the table: Meet with hospitals, nonprofits, schools, and local leaders to plan what the hub will offer. Focus on services the neighborhood needs most, such as health screenings, fitness programs, nutrition classes, or counseling.

• Use what the community already has: Gather equipment and supplies from local organizations, businesses, or hospitals. If funding is needed, look for city grants, hospital community-benefit funds, or local donors.

• Involve residents in the work: Encourage residents to volunteer or work as health educators, peer counselors, or outreach staff. Train them to connect neighbors with care and to track how the hub is utilized.

• Open and build over time: Start with a few core services and gradually expand as more partners join. Host events, collect feedback, and continuously improve the offerings of the hub.

Best Practices / Innovative Programs:

• Philanthropic Organization

  • The Kresge Foundation: Health and Neighborhoods Portfolio is based in Michigan and funds community-driven health projects nationwide that connect medical care and neighborhood development.

  • The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation: Healthy Communities Initiative is headquartered in New Jersey and supports partnerships that integrate health, housing, and transportation improvements.

• Business

  • Blue Zones Project is active in more than 70 U.S. cities, and is a partnership between Blue Cross Blue Shield and local governments that helps communities redesign for healthier living.

  • Kaiser Permanente Thrive Local operates across several states, connecting patients to food, housing, and social resources through coordinated hospital-community partnerships.

• Faith Community

  • FaithHealthNC operates across North Carolina and connects hospitals and congregations to provide transportation, home visits, and health support.

  • Adventist Community Services Health Ministries (National) is a nationwide ministry that helps churches run wellness and prevention programs tailored to their local communities.

• Government

  • New Orleans Neighborhood Health Centers offer primary care, behavioral health, and nutrition services across the city.

  • NYC Neighborhood Health Action Centers in Harlem, Brooklyn, and the Bronx are offering screenings, classes, and family support.

  • Denver Department of Public Health and Environment: Healthy Places Program works with neighborhoods to host pop-up clinics, walking groups, and community fitness activities.

• Nonprofit Organization

  • Build Healthy Places Network is a national initiative that connects community development and health organizations to fund shared spaces improving neighborhood well-being.

  • Camden Coalition of Healthcare Providers coordinates care for residents with complex medical and social needs, connecting hospitals and local agencies.

  • Community Health Partners is a Mississippi network operating wellness centers that combine primary care, fitness, and education in rural areas.