Health & Wellness Recommendations
Health
Concern or Issue
Health & Wellness Subcommittee
Communities of color are disproportionately affected by gaps in physical and mental healthcare services .
Entities serving disadvantaged residents could use additional support such as Mission Arlington , Open Arms Clinic , private and nonprofit groups , churches and health organizations .
Physical and mental health disparities exist in some areas of the city especially 76010 and 76011
Lack of affordable transportation options inhibit ability to receive care and services .
Information regarding health and wellness is not distributed effectively to many residents in need , especially those in poorer areas .
Lack of healthy food choices and presence of “ food deserts ”
Arlington is consistently ranked low in the healthiest cities identifications .
Recommendation
Short term
• Create dedicated City staff position of Chief Equity Officer to implement and monitor strategies targeted to erase disparity in healthcare for residents of Arlington . This position would report directly to the Arlington City Manager and work in collaboration with health care providers
Medium term
• Leverage relationships with trusted providers to enable and support efforts in care delivery
Medium term
• Support a mobile healthcare program to provide basic primary care , mental health care and referral by exploring funding sources and convening stakeholders to implement *
Medium term
• Enact a program to provide free or subsidized rates on VIA for residents in need .
Long term
• Explore and implement alternative means of disseminating information to all communities
Long term
• Investigate City ordinances and or policies to promote the presence of healthier food choices in areas determined in need or identified as food deserts
Long term
• Create a citywide awareness initiative involving City leadership as well as citizen leaders and organizations providing not only examples of healthy living practices , but opportunities to achieve them *
Unity Council Report
* Collaboration with or action by community partners will be required for implementation .
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