Model for Change

The Bronx Health REACH Changing Systems and Changing Communities Model

The Changing Systems/Changing Communities Model draws on current social-ecological models of health in general and the People/Place Framework for Health specifically. All have been adapted to fit the unique work of Bronx Health REACH.

This model comprises a comprehensive approach to making health equality a reality.

This approach recognizes that health disparity cannot be eliminated without eliminating the underlying causes. It also recognizes it takes a community working together to bring about lasting change.

The approach begins by identifying the bold goal of achieving health equality. For us, this means:

  • Everyone has access to the right care, at the right time, and the right place.
  • Everyone has the knowledge they need to promote their health and participate in their care.
  • People of color share equally in the technical and scientific advances in medical care and have the same outcomes and life expectancies.

Next, it identifies the roles that systems and communities and play in bringing about change for the better.

On the system side for Bronx Health REACH, this means looking at the practices of health providers, the structure of the healthcare delivery system and the structure of the healthcare financing system. It also meant looking at the local environment in terms of how it did-or did not support health and positive health behavior. It also meant looking at state and federal policy and regulations that could be used to effect change.

On the community side for Bronx Health REACH, this means looking at the role of faith and community based organizations in promoting change at the individual, community and policy level. It means looking as well at the roles of individuals, of businesses and of social networks in promoting change at all levels.

Finally, the Bronx Health REACH model involves implementing a range of community-driven solutions. These include maintaining and growing a strong coalition; mobilizing the community and providing health education and programs; and advocating for system change at the level of policy, regulation and practice.