Across the United States and around the world, low-income communities and communities of color are facing health crises at alarming rates. Chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes are responsible for more than 71% of deaths worldwide and 88% of deaths in the United States. Like other health problems, the impact of these diseases is due to underserved populations. It disproportionately impacts underserved communities, resulting in severe health disparities. To future generations.
We know this is more than just a medical problem. These disparities are driven by a complex set of social and economic issues, including poverty, structural racism, and access to health care, education, and opportunity.
But how best to address these issues to address chronic disease, and how can we promote health equity in the most meaningful and sustainable way?
In 2018, we set out to ask these questions and take a community-based approach to find new answers to address the impact of chronic diseases such as diabetes. Our goal is to partner with local community organizations to address the most pressing everyday challenges that prevent people from living healthy lives, especially in underserved communities facing significant health disparities. It was something to deal with.
And on this basis, the Future Well Communities program was born in 2019.
We introduced Future Well Communities in Stockton, California, which was recently named the most diverse large city in America. We have launched a targeted effort to address social determinants of health (SDOH) in partnership with local authorities, key institutions and community groups. Consider that lack of access to health care and education, reduced economic opportunity, and discrimination are all factors that are directly linked to health inequalities.
Through this initiative, we are providing access to things that people should have access to but not everyone has access to, such as transportation to medical appointments, healthy food, health education, and health care professionals who understand their health conditions. focused on removing barriers to health in Stockton by providing access to. The complexity of diabetes management and the unique challenges faced by patients.
Then, in early 2020, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic shocked the world. Along with the rest of the global medical community, we have had to quickly assess, listen, adapt, and reset. It was clear that the most vulnerable communities were hardest hit and needed greater support. So we provided targeted resources, food and front-line support to address immediate needs.
At the same time, the availability of many in-person services has become limited and more difficult to provide. Health education classes and group health appointments are now virtual. Gathering in community spaces was not an option.
Fortunately, we designed the Future Well Communities program to be inherently flexible. We have built a model that can introduce new approaches to disease treatment and prevention, learn from that work, apply those learnings, and adapt and pivot as needed. In support of the 2030 Sustainability Plan, we are focused on advancing health equity through partnerships.