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Community Action Model for Building Healthier Communities

Healthy Places by Design created a Community Action Model to help communities work together to improve health and well-being. The model has three main parts: understanding your community's unique background and challenges, following six essential practices for success, and using a 3-step cycle called Partner-Prepare-Progress. The Partner step builds relationships between different groups. The Prepare step helps communities plan and set priorities. The Progress step puts plans into action through new programs, policies, and changes to neighborhoods. The model shows how communities can create lasting change by working together over time. Early impacts include new programs and stronger relationships. Intermediate impacts include policy changes and new community spaces like gardens and farmers markets. Long-term impacts create a 'culture of health' where healthy living becomes part of how the community works. The model has been successfully used in cities like Buffalo, New York and Denver, Colorado. This guide helps community leaders, coalitions, and funders understand how to create comprehensive approaches for community health improvements that last.