Health Is Not Just Health Care is a ongoing partnership with local community leaders, Supervisor
Lai-Bitker, and the Alameda County Public Health Department to address persistent health disparities through the development of resilient communities.

This initiative was launched in May 2007 when Supervisor Lai-Bitker convened community leaders throughout District 3 to discuss factors associated with health disparities and to consider best strategies to develop health for all. Dr. Tony Iton, Director of Alameda County's Public Health Department, presented current health data to the gathering of elected officials, community decision makers, local education agencies, social service/human relations departments, as well as housing and transportation planning.

Together, they looked at the lack of health equality within Alameda, San Leandro, San Lorenzo, and the Chinatown and Fruitvale/San Antonio communities of Oakland. The data show that such disparities in health are related to non-health factors such as the education and income levels of the residents and natural and built environments. Health for all community residents depends on more than access to health care services after illness and requires comprehensive resiliency strategies to the challenges of social inequities.

• To open lines of communication toward a broader understanding of the multiple factors that affect the community's health so that short and long term strategies may be cultivated to enable multiple health objectives, making the community a healthier, happier, more productive place to live.
• To engage with culturally relevant strategies youth, families and communities in significant and empowering participation in their community to improve health, education, housing, and employment and overall quality of life.
• Incorporate a high value on equity in strategically planning all programs and services for youth, families and communities, particularly those who are underserved, under-represented
  and/or at risk.
• Build "cultural crosswalks" to create community interconnectedness (integration)
• Engage business, career, academic, cultural and faith-based centers in educational, vocational, and community service learning program development and implementation that involves meaningful adult-youth interaction.
• Develop cross-jurisdictional collaboration and share organizational best practices and resources; tailored, however to distinct community needs.

To learn more about how this initiative is at work in your neighborhood or how you can become involved, please contact Jean Fong in the office of Supervisor Lai-Bitker at (510) 272-6693.