Healthy Neighborhoods Healthy Families
At Nationwide Children's, we understand the overall health and well-being of a child happens far beyond our hospital's walls. Medical care accounts for only 20% of a child's modifiable health outcomes. The other 80%? It happens out in the community – where kids live, learn and play.
That's why, with many partners, we created a trailblazing model for improving health outcomes and reaching families right where they are. Healthy Neighborhoods Healthy Families is a robust, population health initiative dedicated to helping all children and families reach their full potential.
Working together with faith-based organizations, community development organizations, workforce development programs and local public schools, Healthy Neighborhoods Healthy Families provides programs and services in five areas that impact overall well-being: affordable housing, economic development, health and wellness; education and community engagement.
Improving Community Wellbeing
The Healthy Neighborhoods Healthy Families initiative began in 2008 in Columbus’ South Side neighborhood. In 2021, we expanded on the bold vision of the One Linden plan to the Linden community, a few miles northeast of Columbus’ downtown.
Our work in these communities focuses on reducing the social determinants of health – factors outside of medical care that have an impact on health.
Impact Areas: A Closer Look
We address the social determinants of health through our five impact areas: affordable housing, education, health and wellness, community enrichment and economic development.
Affordable Housing
When a family is living in a safe, affordable house, it brings a sense of stability, so the family can focus on other things, like a child’s education, a parent’s job and the family’s health.
Education
The Healthy Neighborhoods Healthy Families initiative supports a number of programs to improve educational outcomes focused on school readiness, high school graduation and mentorship.
Health & Wellness
Nationwide Children’s works to improve access to health care through community and school-based services.
Community Enrichment
Partnering with neighborhood and community stakeholders, Healthy Neighborhoods Healthy Families works to support social connections and the overall neighborhood experience for residents.
Economic Development
Work readiness training, career development, experiential learning, free tax preparation, credit education and financial coaching are available to help residents.
Making a Difference
Healthy Neighborhoods Healthy Families is committed to creating positive health outcomes in our communities. One question we often hear is, “Why does a hospital do this work?”
Our work with Partners For Kids shows kids benefit from upstream, preventative investments. Investing in preventative health measures saves money on health care costs for both individuals and systems — and creates a healthier, more educated workforce.
A fixed roof. Free job training. Free tax prep. These things not only make individuals’ lives better; they make the entire community healthier. Our work paves the way for a stronger, healthier workforce for a growing central Ohio economy.
Learn more about the programs and services that contribute to these efforts.
Celebrating 10 Years of School Health Services
Since 2015, Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s School Health Services has offered health care to students, families and community members. Our providers work on-site at schools across Ohio to provide primary care services, mental health counseling, asthma therapy care, vision care, dental care and more.
Resources for Linden & South Side Residents
Do you live in Linden or on the South Side? We have resources for you and your family.
Healthy Neighborhoods Healthy Families works with community partners to offer free programs, services, workshops and events right in your neighborhood.
