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Launch of new public service campaign raises awareness of influences on health and encourages active involvement in making communities healthier.

New York (April 3, 2018) – The New York Academy of Medicine in collaboration with The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, along with members of the Designing a Strong and Healthy New York City (DASH-NYC) Workgroup, announce the launch of a new public service campaign dedicated to raising awareness of the different influences on health including food insecurity, housing insecurity and quality, and streets that are designed for safety.

“Researchers estimate that 80% of our health is influenced by the environments around us including social and economic factors as well as every day behaviors. Through this campaign we’re building awareness that we can all influence health in our communities to help our families and our neighbors,” said Judith A. Salerno, MD, MS, president of The New York Academy of Medicine. “Aware and active community members can help make New York City a healthier place to live for everyone,” she added.

“This campaign reiterates how important safe streets, food security, and high-quality and affordable housing are for the health of New Yorkers,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett.“We know that the choices people make are shaped by the options they have, and it is important for everyone to take action to improve health in their communities.”

The DASH-NYC Workgroup, formed as part of New York City’s Population Health Improvement Program (PHIP), focuses on investigating and spreading community-based approaches to promoting health and health equity. Through this new campaign, DASH-NYC is helping to raise awareness of how housing insecurity and quality, food insecurity and safely designed streets can influence health with a series of videos, factsheets, resources and easy links to additional services and sources for engagement. Released via social media with support from DASH-NYC partners, the campaign will bring broad awareness to a variety of audiences.

About The New York Academy of Medicine

The New York Academy of Medicine advances solutions that promote the health and well-being of people in cities worldwide.

Established in 1847, The New York Academy of Medicine continues to address the health challenges facing New York City and the world’s rapidly growing urban populations. We accomplish this through our Institute for Urban Health, home of interdisciplinary research, evaluation, policy and program initiatives; our world class historical medical library and its public programming in history, the humanities, and the arts; and our Fellows program, a network of more than 2,000 experts elected by their peers from across the professions affecting health. Our current priorities are healthy aging, disease prevention, and eliminating health disparities. For more information visit www.nyam.org.

About the Population Health Improvement Program [PHIP]

The PHIP promotes health equity as well as the “Triple Aim” of better care, lower health care costs and better health outcomes for New Yorkers by engaging community members and cross-sector leaders in strategic health planning. The New York City PHIP, launched as a partnership between the Fund for Public Health in New York, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, The New York Academy of Medicine and The United Hospital Fund, is one of 11 PHIPs created with funds from the New York State Department of Health to achieve inclusive health planning at the regional and local level. For more information visit www.DASHNYC.org.