Philadelphia, PA, October, 17, 2023 – Today, the Philadelphia Collaboration for Equitable Health, a healthy equity initiative powered by Bank of America, in collaboration with the American Heart Association (The Association), the American Diabetes Association® (ADA), the American Cancer Society and the University of Michigan School of Public Health, held its first advocacy community forum in Philadelphia at North10.
The forum was attended by public health, safety, education, and community organizations to discuss the challenges faced in Philadelphia’s neighborhoods, and how we can advocate for public policy solutions that address neighborhood health equity. Challenges discussed at the forum included access to care, understanding the community and cultural differences, food insecurity, childcare and maternal health, housing, education, neighborhood equity, green spaces and environmental health.
During the forum, attendees heard from Sara Jann, Senior Director of Policy & Advocacy and Lonnese Bodison, Senior Director of Programs of the Maternity Care Coalition. The Maternity Care Coalition discussed how they have developed an advocacy agenda by listening to mothers, families, and healthcare providers. They also highlighted their efforts to develop a sustainable local advocacy committee, the impact of personal storytelling, and their overall community-driven efforts to address maternal health equity.
After a robust conversation, organizations and individuals found common challenges that Philadelphians face and the urgent need to address access to care, nutrition security, and maternal health. To achieve health equity, we must develop sustainable model(s) to identify and develop the next generation of neighborhood advocates, build trust with community members, and identify the potential local policy solutions to improve health equity.
The forum was only one of the first steps in the Philadelphia Collaboration for Equitable Health’s plan to leverage advocacy to improve health outcomes. If your organization would like to participate in next steps and discussions, please contact Jada Dove at [email protected].
About Bank of America
Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 69 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,900 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 57 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BAC).
About the American Heart Association®
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About the American Cancer Society®
At the American Cancer Society, we have a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. We’re improving the lives of cancer patients and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.
About the American Diabetes Association®
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization fighting to bend the curve on the diabetes epidemic and help people living with diabetes thrive. For 83 years the ADA has driven discovery and research to treat, manage, and prevent diabetes while working relentlessly for a cure. Through advocacy, program development, and education we aim to improve the quality of life for over 133 million Americans living with diabetes or prediabetes. Diabetes has brought us together. What we do next will make us Connected for Life. To learn more or to get involved, visit us at diabetes.org or call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383). Join the fight with us on Facebook (American Diabetes Association), Spanish Facebook (Asociación Americana de la Diabetes), LinkedIn (American Diabetes Association), Twitter (@AmDiabetesAssn), and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn).