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Blog Archives

Conveners for Health and Equity in Six New York Communities: Community Convener Brian Archie – Create a Healthier Niagara Falls Collaborative

By Phil Bors on March 29th, 2022

Check out our latest blog featuring one of six community conveners across the state of New York. Learn the story of how this community came together to create healthy opportunities for its residents.

The Power of Narrative: Bringing People Together to Advance Equity with Jonathan Heller

By Joanne Lee on March 23rd, 2022

As our nation continues to face multiple existential threats – including the pandemic, systemic racism, and civil unrest – we have seen people become divided. In these times when we need to harness cooperative action to solve big issues, what can we do to overcome current polarization?

Facilitating a Learning Network with Humans

By Risa Wilkerson on March 9th, 2022

The last two years have been all about “pivoting.” And now we should use this time for “pausing.” Let’s assess what we’re asking of each other before we rush to get back out in the community. How are you bringing more humanity into your work, and not just checking boxes?

Investing in Health: A Conversation with Chadwick Roberson

By Risa Wilkerson on February 28th, 2022

You may not know – our full team includes an amazing advisory board! They provide counsel, support, and diverse perspectives to help us think creatively. In our latest blog, hear from our newest board member, Chadwick Roberson, about his experiences and connection to our mission—about how and why he invests in health.

Introducing: Conveners for Health and Equity in Six New York Communities

By Phil Bors on January 26th, 2022

In 2021, the New York State Health Foundation’s Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative grant program came to its official end, but not without leaving an important imprint on six conveners and their communities. Over the coming weeks, we will feature these local leaders on our blog.

A Message of Hope for 2022

By Risa Wilkerson and Niiobli Armah IV on January 4th, 2022

How do we approach another New Year with hope? Healthy Places by Design’s executive director, Risa Wilkerson, and board chair, Niiobli Armah, share their thoughts in a video message.

Traditions make us—but let’s not let them break us: How reexamining our rituals can make stronger families and communities

By Risa Wilkerson on November 17th, 2021

Big meals, family gatherings, tip toeing around certain topics…the holiday season is upon us! Do you know all the origin stories around the rituals and traditions you share in your family? What about the rituals and traditions in your community? It might be time to think about the purpose of why we do the things we do.

Our Shared Humanity Is the Foundation for Cohesive, Resilient, and Equitable Communities

By Olivia Little on November 10th, 2021

We must strengthen our social fabric using a shared humanity approach if we want to create sustained and equitable community change. Our colleague Olivia Little shares three diverse community examples that illustrate how this can be done.

Creating Health and Equity in Rural Communities

By Phil Bors on October 20th, 2021

Read this blog to learn about rural health and equity challenges, opportunities, and three promising examples for advancing social connection, physical activity spaces, and access to food and nutrition security.

Creating Global Strategies for Social Connections: A Conversation with Edward Garcia

By Risa Wilkerson on September 29th, 2021

How do we link global strategies to create a socially connected world? Our Executive Director, Risa Wilkerson, recently spoke with Eddie Garcia, a partner at Healthsperien, about ways we can weave together local, state, national, and global efforts for social wellbeing.