As the links between physical health and community wealth and vitality become clearer all the time, fourteen regional and national health systems are coming together to commit at least $700 million to investments in affordable housing and economic development in the cities where they’re located.
“I think hospitals and health systems are really well poised to engage in this way, of addressing infrastructure in our communities,” [Tonya Wells, Vice President of Social Impact Investing and Community Development at Trinity Health].
Wells says. “We know our patients. We know our communities. We’re credible, and in many cases have strong balance sheets. This is a really important part of how we’re going to address the root causes of poor health.”