A Vision Statement for a Healthy Sonoma County
. . . . . Adele Amodeo MPH
The Sonoma health coverage crisis has created an opportunity for collective,
collaborative problem-solving, to address more than just the costs of
providing adequate health services coverage to Sonoma residents. The unique
features of the county—relatively small, urban, suburban and rural
areas, relatively few “big players”—provide an opportunity
to be a prototype for planning and creating a healthy community.
By bringing together purchasers of health insurance, providers of health
services, labor representatives, academics, government officials, community
organizers, etc., the possibilities are emerging for understanding what
it would take to address the broader determinants of health. We can brainstorm
together about how to generate multiple resources to create that reality.
We envision a healthy Sonoma County, a place in which:
- its residents are supported in making healthy life decisions, by
government and institutional policies;
- public and private providers of health care are adequately paid and
offer comprehensive, accessible and culturally competent services;
- health coverage is available for all, including those traditionally
“uninsured”;
- behavioral health coverage is equivalent to that for other services
- basic public health infrastructure is maintained at levels sufficient
to meet everyday needs and those required in extraordinary circumstances,
such as natural disasters, or bio-terrorism events;
- schools are places where healthy habits are taught and practiced,
including meals and snacks that are made available, and p.e. is a regular
part of the day;
- responsible economic development offers economic security;
- seniors, the disabled, and children are special populations whose
needs are consciously addressed in every aspect of planning;
- cities and counties plan for regional green spaces, community gardens,
public transportation, farmers’ markets, bicycle trails, affordable
housing, etc., and;
- annual Report Cards are issued and made public, so that people can
be made aware of which areas require more focus for the next year.
AA 9/10/04
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