The Collaboration for Equitable Health (CFEH) in Philadelphia, a health equity initiative powered by Bank of America, in collaboration with the American Heart Association, the American Diabetes Association, the American Cancer Society, and the University of Michigan School of Public Health, hosted its fourth advocacy forum at North10.
At the previous three forums, community members identified four areas within the social determinants of health that they believed the CFEH could make a great impact in Philadelphia. Those 4 areas of focus are maternal health, nutrition insecurity, access to care, and neighborhood investments. Community members identified a short-term goal to harness the power of stories, and work with Advocate pillar partners Maternity Care Coalition, The Food Trust, and North10 Philadelphia, around personal narratives and lived experiences which emphasize focus areas that will resonate with decision-makers.
The Forum began with opening remarks from North10’s Executive Director Joshua Klaris and American Heart Association’s Community Impact Director of Health Equity Shaneaka Rhoads. Highlights of the Collaboration for Equitable Health’s Advocate Pillar that were discussed:
- North10’s Joshua Klaris and Nikki Bagby shared its efforts to enhance access to healthier foods and promoting civic engagement through its Community Advocacy Action Committee.
- Emma Jensen of the Maternity Care Coalition spoke about the increased access and awareness of evidence-based home visiting programs.
- The Food Trust highlighted their nutrition incentive program, Food Bucks, and the impact it can make to increase fruit and vegetable consumption.
- The Collaboration for Equitable Health highlighted Advocacy 101 trainings with partners, upcoming virtual and in-person power-mapping training series, and City Hall Day, slated for September 18.
Forum facilitator Korey Johnson, founder, Equipped Solutions LLC, led a capacity-building exercise where participants joined breakout groups focused on how to have effective and meaningful meetings with Philadelphia City Councilmembers. This included a discussion on how to learn the background of elected officials, and how the participants could leverage their own personal stories and incorporate lived experience and professional expertise into conversations. Each group had a chance to role-play how they would advocate to Councilmembers the importance of addressing the social determinants of health, specifically neighborhood investments, access to healthier foods, and awareness for evidence-based home visiting programs.
Community members will be able to utilize what they learned and practiced at the Forum during the Collaboration for Equitable Health’s upcoming Lunch, Learn, & Discussion with Legislative Leaders at City Hall on Wednesday, September 18, at 12:00 p.m. Click here to RSVP – Advocacy Day at City Hall