Last year, Prevention Institute interviewed Los Angeles County Department of Public Health staff and their community partners to document innovative approaches underway to create healthier, safer, and more equitable communities in Los Angeles County. What we observed were a series of initiatives guided by local priorities, grounded in evidence-based strategies, and made possible by collaborative partnerships between public health, health practitioners, community members, elected officials and many others to create lasting changes in health and equity in Los Angeles County. We're grateful for the opportunity to highlight this critical work and encourage you to read and share these profiles.
Parks After Dark
Parks After Dark converts Los Angeles County parks into safe places for community members to play and come together. Violent crime in the neighborhoods surrounding participating parks declined 32% over four years, even as violent crime increased city-wide.
Plan for a Healthy Los AngelesThe City of Los Angeles convened more than 1,000 Angelenos in the development of the Plan for a Healthy Los Angeles, which included a data-driven analysis of health outcomes and underlying inequities, and created a policy document that prioritizes health and equity improvements in the city's general plan.
Breastfeeding
Los Angeles County improved breastfeeding outcomes, designating 17 "baby-friendly" hospitals that have delivered 10,000 babies since 2012.
Healthy Food Procurement
Los Angeles County government departments committed to healthy nutrition standards in food procurement, making healthier food available at more than 200 locations in Los Angeles County.
Choose Health LA Restaurants
The health department partnered with Los Angeles County restaurants to make healthier food available, promote healthier options and smaller portion sizes, and serve fresh water free of charge.
We want to thank the City of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Food Policy Council, the Safe Routes to School National Partnership, the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition, the Los Angeles County Breastfeeding Coalition, Raimi + Associates, and community residents interviewed for their support and guidance in compiling these profiles.