Using Working Groups to Address Newport's Needs
Newport's First Health Equity Working Group
Using data collected from a Question Campaign, the Newport HEZ established working groups to address community-identified priorities including transportation, physical and mental health, open space, arts and culture, education, innovation and economic opportunity, and food access and nutrition. Each working group includes a lead organization working with community participants.
Since establishing these Working Groups, the Newport HEZ has made considerable progress in each of these areas and has added additional working groups addressing LGBTQIA + Health; and leadership development among women of color. The HEZ was also instrumental in the Newport community navigating the COVID-19 waters and responding to other emergencies.
Newport HEZ Food Justice Work Group
The HEZ Food Justice Work Group, led by partner organization Aquidneck Community Table, has a dual purpose: to increase HEZ residents’ immediate access to healthy affordable food and to address the structural barriers to food access through resident engagement and advocacy. Its activities include support for the farmers market in Miantonomi Memorial Park and teaching people how to grow and prepare their own food.
The Newport HEZ also launched a Fresh Zone initiative, which promotes fresh fruits and vegetables in corner stores and food pantries in the Broadway and North End communities—making fresh food far more available and accessible to residents.
Access to Affirming Care
The LGBTQ+ Health Working Group purpose is to make Newport, Rhode Island a safe, welcoming, and inclusive place for LGBTQ+ Newport residents.
The Rhode Island Department of Health identified LGBTQ+ health as an area where many disparities exist due to barriers to accessing affirming care. Since Newport does not currently advertise any LGBTQ+ safe health care spaces, the HEZ formed the LGBTQ+ Health Equity Working Group in 2020 to help address access to affirming health care in Newport. Additionally the LGBTQ+ Working Group strives to create resources and LGBTQ+ cultural competence training for community groups throughout the area.