MPH NEWSLETTER VOL. 24
WE’RE HERE TO HELP WITH YOUR COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT & IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY / IMPROVEMENT PLAN!
Hi there,
This month, we’re spotlighting an often-overlooked but powerful social determinant of health: community belonging.
Think of it like this—belonging is the secret ingredient that makes communities healthier. When people feel like they’re part of something—that they matter, are seen, and are supported—they don’t just feel better emotionally; they actually live longer, healthier lives. Seriously.
Belonging can lower stress, boost mental health, and even reduce the risk of chronic diseases. On the flip side, when people feel disconnected or left out, it can take a real toll—on their health, their families, and the community as a whole.
So this month, we’re talking about connection, inclusion, and how a strong sense of belonging just might be one of the best public health strategies out there. Whether you’re shaping a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) or working on your Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), integrating strategies that foster belonging can create lasting impact.
Let’s talk about how we can help you center connection and inclusion in your next project. Schedule a FREE discovery call with us here.
Stay healthy,
IN THE NEWS…
Have you heard? We launched a new service service this month. We don’t just help you plan—we help you build trust, momentum, and measurable progress…
On June 12, the Catholic Health Association (CHA) has invited us to host a members-only virtual session titled “What’s the Point of Doing a Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan if it Doesn’t Lead to Real Change?”. This session will explore best practices and realistic strategies for health departments and hospitals to create a CHIP/Implementation Strategy that is successfully implemented and sustained.
We are so excited to deliver this, and while this session is closed to CHA members, the same presentation will be offered in person at NACCHO360 Conference in July (Anaheim, CA)—open to all health department professionals. Consider registering for the conference to join the conversation!
did you know?
In 2023 the US Surgeon General authored an advisory document on the healing effects of social connection and community. Among the findings were that:
Communities with higher levels of trust and connection have lower rates of violence, chronic illness, and substance misuse.
Social disconnection increases the risk of premature death as much as smoking 15 cigarettes a day (CDC, 2023).
Check out the full advisory to learn more about the status of community belonging in the US, and its’ designation as a significant public health challenge that requires the nation’s immediate awareness and action.
tips & tricks of the month
When people feel like they belong, they’re more likely to participate in civic life, seek care, and engage in healthy behaviors.
But how do you foster that?
Asset Mapping: Identify and uplift existing community networks, cultural hubs, and gathering spaces.
Inclusive Engagement: Go beyond town halls—meet people where they are, in ways that feel accessible and respectful.
Cultural Competence & Representation: Partner with leaders who reflect the community's lived experiences and values.
And how do you measure that?
Community Cohesion Index: Measure perceptions of trust, neighborliness, and shared identity.
Narrative Data: Collect stories from residents to capture experiences of inclusion or exclusion.
Surveys & Focus Groups: Ask directly: “Do you feel like you belong here?”
These tools help center community voice—not just community need—and are vital to include in the your CHNA and/or CHIP.
public health organization spotlight
The Trevor Project stands as the world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ young people. Beyond offering 24/7 crisis support via phone, text, and chat, the organization conducts pivotal research to inform public health strategies.
Their 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, encompassing nearly 34,000 respondents aged 13–24, revealed that:
45% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered suicide in the past year
LGBTQ+ youth who report high levels of community affirmation are 75% less likely to report suicidal thoughts
LGBTQ+ youth in accepting communities reported significantly lower rates of suicide attempts compared to those in unaccepting environments
These findings underscore the profound impact of community affirmation on the well-being of LGBTQ+ youth. Explore the full survey and resources.
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Food has always been a powerful way to foster connection. Whether it’s a potluck, a community supper, or a neighbor dropping off leftovers, meals create moments of belonging. This month, we’re sharing a simple, hearty lentil soup—easy to make in big batches, and perfect for sharing under most dietary restrictions.
Community Lentil Soup
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1½ cups dried lentils, rinsed
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
6 cups vegetable broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: lemon juice and chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions:
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until soft (about 5–7 minutes).
Add garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Add lentils and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30–35 minutes until lentils are tender.
Season with salt and pepper. Add a splash of lemon juice and sprinkle with parsley if desired.
Pro Tip: Make it a community meal—invite a neighbor to join you or drop off a bowl for someone who could use a warm gesture!
mph favorites to share with you…
Steph's Recommendation
Looking for a little gift to share with a public health peer? Steph recommends Red Bubble! The products are adorable and can be shipped right to your door.
Allie's Recommendation
Allie wants you to read this advocacy brief on social isolation and loneliness among older people, which highlights the growing public health and policy concern about these issues (made more salient by the COVID-19 pandemic!). The brief summarizes the scale, impact, and harms of social isolation and loneliness among older people, and outlines what can be done to reduce them. This brief also describes several policy windows that offer opportunities for addressing social isolation and loneliness among older people and proposes a three-point global strategy for tackling these issues.
Caroline's Recommendation
This article reminded Caroline how important social connections are to our health. She recommends having a friend to go to yoga with or a walking buddy to help motivate you to stay active, and to be excited about it!
Elissa's Recommendation
Elissa recommends you check out the Belonging Barometer tool developed by Over Zero and the Center for Inclusion and Belonging at the American Immigration Council. It offers a nuanced approach to measuring individuals' sense of belonging across five key life settings: family, friends, workplace, local community, and the nation. This tool serves as a practical resource for public health professionals, policymakers, and community leaders aiming to enhance social well-being.
