Community Health

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Healthier communities,
built together.

Jamaica Moves in Communities brings health promotion closer to home through local action, partnerships, safer spaces, health information and practical opportunities to live well.

An open green field bordered by trees beneath a blue skyA woman stepping onto a tyre during a community exercise session
IN COMMUNITIES

Jamaica Moves in Communities supports individuals, community groups, faith-based organisations, civil-society partners, local leaders and health teams to create healthier places to live. The programme promotes physical activity, healthier food choices, preventive health management and routine health checks while also recognising the importance of mental wellness, social connection and supportive environments.

Community wellness works best when residents are participants, not simply audiences. HPE therefore supports community action that responds to local needs and builds on local assets, relationships and spaces.

Why community wellness matters

Many health behaviours are shaped by the environment around us: whether there is a safe place to walk, whether healthy food and clean water are accessible, whether residents know where to get screened, and whether people have social support to keep going. Community health promotion works with these realities and helps communities organise practical, local solutions.

Community events

Healthy community actions

Healthy community action can take many forms. HPE and partners may support or promote activities such as:

Move together

  • Community walking, running or movement groups.
  • Dance, aerobics and other inclusive group physical-activity sessions.
  • Community-based programmes for older adults and other priority groups.

Build healthy habits

  • Healthy cooking demonstrations and practical nutrition education.
  • Blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol and other approved health screening activities with appropriate referral.
  • Wellness talks, health literacy sessions and community challenges.

Connect and support

  • Health fairs and wellness events.
  • Activities that support mental well-being and social connection.
  • Local partnerships that improve access to safe, welcoming spaces for activity.
Green space and a pathway at Hope Botanical Gardens, Jamaica
Hope Gardens · RoadTripWarrior · CC BY-SA 3.0 · cropped

Healthy Zones

Healthy Zones are community spaces that support active living and wellness. Depending on the location, features may include walking trails, outdoor fitness equipment, wellness benches, water stations or other amenities that make it easier for residents to be active.

Ask HPE or your Regional Health Authority about participating spaces and activities in your area.

Community Health Champions

Health promotion is stronger when trusted local people help lead it. Community Health Champions may include health-promotion officers, Jamaica Moves ambassadors, community leaders, wellness volunteers and partner organisations that mobilise residents, share reliable information and connect people with activities and services.

How can my community participate?

Community groups, churches, NGOs, neighbourhood associations and other organisations can contact HPE or their Regional Health Authority to ask about current Jamaica Moves activities, partnership opportunities, community training, available resources and upcoming calls for participation.

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