Partnership for Community Health: Richmond, CA

Richmond provides a good example of how Health in All Policies (HiAP) strategies can be implemented at the local level. The program is based on the understanding that health disparities, especially in communities of color and low-income communities, undermine the health of the entire community. The new approach puts health equity and improving residents’ health at the center of municipal policies. This health equity approach has led to collaboration across disciplines and greater community engagement.

In 2012, Richmond was the first city in California to put a Health Element into their General Plan. At a session moderated by Richmond City Councilmember and LGC boardmember Tom Butt, City staff discussed how creating a healthier community is now becoming the core of their work.

“City services are provided through the prism of health,” said Administrative Chief Shasa Curl, while noting that the City Manager tells staff that “we are all clinicians” in improving the health of residents. This approach, she noted, is changing the culture and “helps staff feel good about themselves.”

When Public Works crews go out to stripe bicycle lanes on a street, for example, they now understand that their work helps improve the health and quality of life of residents.

Will Dominie, with Contra Costa County Health Services, described how similar efforts are taking place at the county level with projects focused on planning for climate change impacts. The effort, he noted, maximizes the co-benefits of policies and minimizes unintended consequences. For example, a program to weatherize the homes of low-income residents has not only reduced energy consumption but also improved the quality of housing and helped provide job training to local residents.

These initiatives highlight the importance of cross discipline partnerships in responding to community inequities, health disparities and climate change risks.

Session information and presentations available on the New Partners for Smart Growth website: “Building Health Equity into All Policies: Lessons from Richmond, CA, and Contra Costa County”