Rhode Island Department of HealthState of Rhode Island
Department of Health
Rhode Island Department of HealthState of Rhode Island
Department of Health
To build a healthy and resilient Rhode Island by investing in communities and their capacity to affect change, honoring the expertise of those who live and work in those communities, and challenging the systems and structures that perpetuate health inequities.
Rhode Island’s Health Equity Zone (HEZ) initiative is an innovative approach to improving well-being. It brings people together to build strong, resilient communities so all Rhode Islanders have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible, no matter who they are or where they live.
Through Rhode Island’s HEZ initiative, the State of Rhode Island supports opportunities for community members and partners to collaborate on shared goals. Their efforts are creating thriving communities by:
Newport Video Zoning for Equity in Newport's North End - 2022 RI Smart Growth Policy Award
On May 11, 2022, with the support of Newport HEZ and GrowSmartRI, a group of North End residents secured unanimous support from the Newport City Council for zoning ordinance amendments that prioritize the needs of people living in communities affected by development projects, preserving their neighborhood and transforming public policy in the City of Newport.
Did you know that most of what affects health happens outside the doctor's office? Things like where we live, go to school and work, the quality of our education, and the foods we have access to impact us much more than our genes, personal choices, and healthcare. These things are also called the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH). The HEZ initiative focuses on improving SDOH to prevent people from getting sick and make life better for everyone.
Health Equity Zones (HEZs) are specific areas throughout the state where collaboratives of community stakeholders, organizations, and residents have formed to address issues that are most important to them. Through a collective, community-led process, each HEZ:
Since 2015, Rhode Island’s HEZ initiative has supported community leaders and residents to form 15 Health Equity Zone collaboratives in communities across Rhode Island. RIDOH provides funding and support to ensure communities follow best practices for improving public health. This innovative model has been highlighted nationally to foster community leadership and advance equity.
HEZ TTAP delivers technical assistance and continuous support to HEZs. It organizes and hosts regular HEZ Learning Community events, where HEZs, community partners, and initiative stakeholders come together to share knowledge and learn collectively.
For more information, please contact Deb Golding at deb.golding@health.ri.gov or Morgan Duffney at morgan.duffney@health.ri.gov.
Become a sponsor of HEZ TTAP. HEZ Initiative TTAP Sponsorship Guide
Find a HEZ near you and learn more about the work it’s doing in your community.
