Safe Access to Recreational Opportunities

IPHI is working with local governments to create and implement policies to improve health and quality of life

Under Safe Access to Recreational Opportunities (SARO), the Institute for Public Health Innovation is collaborating with the Prince George’s County government to incorporate policies and practices that promote active living to improve health outcomes and quality of life. These include the development of Wellness Zones around community centers, removing barriers hindering students’ use of recreation facilities, and other initiatives to make active living more accessible and convenient. These policy initiatives are informed by Safe Routes to Play and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design activities that assess the needs of community residents, the County, community based organizations, and other local stakeholders.

Widely considered the most resourced country in the world, the U.S. has a life expectancy that ranks only 38 among industrialized nations, and life expectancy in many parts of the region falls well below the U.S. national average. Within the region as elsewhere in the U.S., an individual’s zip code is a better predictor of health than his or her genetic code, with life expectancy and quality of life varying dramatically by neighborhood and population group.
IPHI’s vision is to advance the capital region as an example for the nation for how to create a healthy society. This bold vision will require the best in ideas, partners and resources, and IPHI endeavors to facilitate interconnections and fill critical gaps so our system of public health activities can achieve more than the sum of its parts. To learn more about IPHI’s initiatives, click on the case studies above or contact us using the form at right. GO! >