What Is Community Health? Community health describes the overall health of a community, which is a group of people who live in the same area and interact with one another (Figure 2.16). If a community is healthy, this means there are positive relationships among people and organizations. These organizations include health organizations and local, state, and national governments. Schools, scientists, healthcare professionals, and community residents work together to promote community health. For example, medical scientists study how diseases spread and how people can prevent them. These scientists advise doctors and governments about how to use vaccines to prevent certain diseases. Government officials use this information to develop laws for the public. Clinics, doctors, and nurses provide vaccines for people in the community. Factors Affecting Community Health Several factors can improve or harm the health of a community. Knowing these factors can help you advocate for community health. Societal Factors Societal factors are the social aspects of a community. These include access to healthcare, education, housing, safety and security, economic factors, people’s sense of belonging, and people’s participation in community activities. The most important societal factor affecting health is education. Completion of high school makes a significant impact on health. High school graduates have a longer life expectancy and better overall health and wellness. They are more likely to get physical activity, stay away from smoking, visit the doctor regularly, know how to access healthcare, and engage in healthy behaviors. community health overall health of a group of people who live in the same area and interact with one another Residents Parts of a Community Friends Neighbors Relatives Businesses Organizations Schools Government Left to right: Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.com Robert Kneschke/Shutterstock.com Iakov Filimonov/Shutterstock.com RonTech3000/Shutterstock.com dotshock/Shutterstock.com Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.com LStockStudio/Shutterstock.com DW labs Incorporated/Shutterstock.com Figure 2.16 Some communities are healthier than others, and communities can fall anywhere on the health continuum. What types of organizations can affect the health of your community? Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 58 Unit 1 Promoting a Lifetime of Health and Wellness