The coalition takes the idea of “community based” very, very seriously. “The community drives the dialogue upward. They tell us what they and their neighborhoods are struggling with. We then work with our partners and other members to help,” said Thomas-Matson.
For example, some folks in South Seattle communities are troubled by the increasing numbers of youth using e-cigarettes. While many people believe e-cigarettes to be safe, new research shows the risks and harm caused by the chemicals in the vapor—and the danger of addicting young brains to nicotine. So HKCC members created an e-cigarette billboard and web campaign called “Don’t Be Fooled.” Billboards are up in several South Seattle and South King County neighborhoods.
The HKCC has also held healthy cooking classes in South Seattle and given away kitchen tools like blenders to families who need them. Each year, the coalition trains still more boots-on-the-ground leaders to help shape healthy communities. The coalition also hosts educational summits, arranges forums to connect equity advocates to lawmakers, and offers free training in understanding data and telling stories to create social change. Support for programs like Fresh Bucks (a program that matches Seattle farmers’ markets SNAP purchases dollar-for-dollar), Best Starts for Kids, and Breakfast After the Bell are also key ways the coalition fights disparities.
“These programs help offset the additional harm that falls on people of color and people with lower incomes,” explained Thomas-Matson. “From tobacco marketing to marijuana dispensaries to fast-food restaurants, some environments make it harder for many groups to make healthy choices. We empower people to change that.”
The Coalition is currently partnering with Seattle Children’s and Public Health - Seattle & King County on a Partnerships to Improve Community Health (PICH) federal grant. For more information on this work, visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/about/healthycommunities.aspx. To learn more about the Healthy King County Coalition, visit www.healthykingcounty.org. For more information about health equity, visit the CDC, http://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/healthequity/.
JoAnne Dyer is a professional freelance writer who covers news nationally and locally in the Puget Sound Region.