An official website of the REGIONAL GOAL: Healthy and safe communities
This regional goal states:
Our communities are healthy and safe. All our region’s residents live healthy and rewarding lives with a sense of dignity and wellbeing.
About this goal
Safe and healthy communities for all residents are the bedrock of a flourishing region. This means residents enjoy not only accessible medical care, but also continued and expanded availability of nutritious and culturally desirable food, safe water, dignified and affordable housing, stabilized neighborhoods, opportunities for meaningful contribution, high-quality education and health care, time outdoors, clean air and water, accessible transportation and digital connectedness. This goal acknowledges the importance of social conditions, including welcoming, inclusive neighborhoods and freedom from violence and harassment. Positive emotions like happiness and a sense of dignity additionally support individuals’ health.2
Land use, water, parks, transportation, and housing policies can support diverse community types to create a region where residents live healthy and rewarding lives.
2American Heart Association. (2020, May 20). How happiness affects health. https://www.heart.org/en/university-hospitals-harrington-heart-and-vascular/how-happiness-affects-health
