INDIANAPOLIS — Business executives, city leaders and neighborhood associations are coming together to improve the health of Indy's north side.
Indy Health District, Inc. is a nonprofit covering roughly 1,500 acres along the north side of Indianapolis, from downtown to Crown Hill Cemetery.
Census data showed the residents in the area have a much lower life expectancy compared to the rest of the Indy metro area.
The district will focus on six principles to improve health:
- Equitable socioeconomic impact
- Smart land use and transportation
- Health-promoting infrastructure
- Access to high-quality healthcare
- Community-centric education and research
- Establishing physical and programmatic connections
The project is a collaboration between Citizens Energy Group, IU Health, Ivy Tech Community College and and the Children's Museum of Indianapolis.
The Crown Hill, Highland Vicinity, Historic Flanner House Homes, Meridian Highland and Ransome Place neighborhoods all contributed to the plan.
“Over the last several years, we have listened closely to the voices of community members within the district’s boundaries to guide the development of this organization and will remain committed to listening to their input and feedback,” said Jamal Smith, executive director of the Indy Health District. “Our ultimate goal is to create physical and institutional frameworks that elevate the health and well-being of everyone who lives, works and plays in the Indy Health District.”
A publicly accessible dashboard will be updated on the organization's website to "ensure accountability and transparency," according to a press release from the group.
The Indy Health District plans to host its first official community gathering in November.