For the first time\, Topeka's Community He alth Improvement Plan includes "Neighborhood Safety and Housing" as a prio rity area. \; When you register\, you will be provided with a few page s of advance reading from the "Neighborhood Safety and Housing" section of the Shawnee County Community Health Improvement Plan. It is important to note that though this docu ment identifies workgroups and partnering organizations working towards CH IP strategies\, continued engagement from the community is necessary for t he improvement efforts outlined in this plan to be achieved and sustained.
\nWe will also contact you for your food preference - all registere d attendees will be provided with a boxed lunch including a sandwich/wrap\ , potato salad or pasta salad\, chips and a cookie. \;
\nOur con versation will be facilitated by library staff and focus on the lived expe riences of renters in Topeka with housing affordability and livability as it relates to the goals and actions in the "Neighborhood Safety and Housin g" priority area of the Community Health Improvement Plan. Many experts an d organizations are already working on housing issues. One purpose of this conversation is to broaden the participation of who is getting to talk ab out these issues and be involved in these issues. We will use conversation strategies to hear from people who are impacted by the decisions of decis ion makers\, and prioritize the perspectives of renters over policy positi ons. \;
\nAccording to Livewell Shawnee County:
\nHow does Neighborhood Safety and H
ousing come into the CHIP?
Where we are affects how we live. From saf
e streets to stable housing\, our environment plays a major role in health
. In Shawnee County\, In 2023\, Shawnee County had 34 homicides&mdash\;nea
rly 1 in 3 victims were under 18\, and 60% involved firearms. The CHIP inc
ludes community-driven strategies to create safer\, more stable neighborho
ods for all.
What does health equity look like in the CHIP?
N
ot everyone in Shawnee County has the same opportunity to live a healthy l
ife. Health equity means recognizing and addressing those gaps. In Shawnee
County the high infant mortality rate disproportionately affects the Blac
k and Hispanic communities at an alarming rate. The CHIP names equity as a
cross-cutting priority&mdash\;because justice needs to be part of every s
olution.