Over the past couple of weeks, two reports shared significant public health concerns that our community must address.
Last week, the Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance publicly presented a troubling report indicating that local teenagers are engaged in several “at-risk” behaviors. Of the Central High School 9th graders surveyed last year, 30% reported in engaging in bulimic or anorexic behaviors consistent with eating disorders, 21% reported feeling sad or depressed, and 17% reported that they had attempted suicide one or more times.
The week before, Pennington resident and New Jersey Commissioner of Health Judy Persichilli and DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette released a sobering joint report explaining how the impacts of climate change are expected to exacerbate existing environmental and public health disparities.
An increased risk of cardiovascular disease, respiratory and gastrointestinal illness, cancer and mental health challenges are all forecasted.
In addition, the risk of infectious diseases spread by pests or insects, as well microorganism contamination of food and water supplies, are likely to become more prevalent.
These seemingly unrelated reports were both shared publicly for the same reason: to raise awareness in and motivate those who can effect change to take proactive counter-measures in hopes of building vibrant, healthy outcomes for all people.
Not surprisingly, both reports shared a correlation between having positive supports in place with a reduction in negative impacts. Conversely, an absence of positive supports was associated with an increase in negative impacts.
For example, the Hopewell report refers to “assets” such as support, empowerment, boundaries, expectations and constructive use of time from families, schools, neighborhoods, community groups and other organizations. The data were clear: where more assets were indicated, fewer “at-risk” behaviors were reported.
Supports that reduced the risk of negative health impacts from climate change include updated early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, reduced resource insecurity and better funding. Communities with less resilient infrastructure experience diminished air quality, which is associated with myriad health problems including asthma, COPD, and cardiovascular disease. Greater availability of the supports noted above was associated with fewer health problems.
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While we hardly need studies to tell us that better support systems are associated with better outcomes, the telling similarity was the overlap of which type of support was most needed.
In the Hopewell Municipal Alliance report, school engagement, positive peer influence and family support were the most frequently reported assets available to those surveyed. Among the least reported assets was a sense that “Community Values Youth.” Only 24% of those surveyed believe that statement to be true.
The climate change health disparity report concludes that children, elderly, and people with chronic health problems are most vulnerable. Underserved communities and those already overburdened by pollution and other stressors will also be disproportionately impacted.
These results demonstrate two sides of the same coin. Both the youth of Hopewell Valley and the children, elderly and underserved in the state seem to suffer health disparities when they are not receiving the support and recognition that would demonstrate they are “valued by the community.”
We tend to support the things we value.
My hope is that the greater community becomes more aware of the important role they play in the health outcomes of those they may not regularly consider. This newfound realization may increase the priority placed on advocacy, and there are signs that the necessary action is already emerging.
I saw a great example of raised awareness leading to community support at the Municipal Alliance meeting. After coordinator Heidi Kahme presented the HVMA results, many local leaders took responsibility and actively sought out ways to help teenagers feel valued by our community. School officials discussed youth summits and messaging. Township Committee members committed to bringing back the Youth Advisory Board that was sidelined during Covid.
By finding opportunities for dialogue between our youth and community leaders, we can raise the possibility that our young people perceive that they are valued.
Another good example is the Sept. 21 announcement that Capital Health and Bristol Myers–Squibb Foundation are investing $10 million in the Trenton Neighborhood Initiative to provide necessary supports to improve public health. Al Maghazehe, president and CEO of Capital Health, said that the health of our community is about much more than hospitals and medical offices, and he committed “to driving meaningful programs that will have an impact on the broader health and well-being of our neighbors.”
Looking to the future, there is hope that more examples like these will arise. When our community demonstrates genuine caring and value for those struggling, we can work towards better outcomes for ourselves and those around us.
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