PROVIDENCE – The R.I. Department of Health has announced plans to distribute $1 million in funding to health equity zones looking to expand boundaries or to communities that want to establish new zones.
Proposals for either the expansion of a zone, or the creation of a new one, are due by March 19. For more details, visit health.ri.gov/hez.
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Contract periods for successful proposals will begin in July, lasting for one year, with renewal possible.
The Ocean State currently has 11 health equity zones, created as a public health initiative.
The collaborative zones are designed to address communities’ social determinants of health, such as physical, social and economic environment, access to healthy food, quality education, jobs and safe housing.
They include input from residents, a wide range of organizations, businesses, educators, health professionals and others.
“A key feature of our Health Equity Zone initiative is that it puts the community’s voice front and center since residents understand the challenges facing their communities the best. For example, throughout the COVID-19 crisis, our Health Equity Zones have been integral partners in assessing unique needs and identifying equitable solutions for some of our most at-risk Rhode Islanders,” said Health Department Director Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott. “We are thrilled to expand this opportunity to additional communities here in Rhode Island.”
Elizabeth Graham is a PBN contributing writer.
