Transportation Matters to Health
Access to transportation is a crucial social determinant of health and a pathway to employment, income, and opportunity. Yet far too many Tucson residents find it difficult to get to and from essential destinations -- healthcare, education, groceries, work, social support, and other services. Here are some facts:
· The poverty rate in Tucson is 19.8%, or an estimated 102,000 people.
· About 10% of households in Tucson do not have access to a car.
· Taxis, Uber, and Lyft, are too expensive for low-income people.
· Fixed-route buses, streetcars, and shuttles may not be convenient, time-efficient, or on-demand.
· Walking to/from public transportation stops can be precarious in hot or monsoon weather.
Low-income residents need point-to-point transportation to transit hubs and destinations. Solving this problem is a critical priority. The Healthy Communities and Wellness Alliance has initiated planning for an innovative all-electric micros transit service.
Micro transit uses small, on-demand vans to provide passengers with flexible, personalized, and shared transportation solutions. The service will operate within distinct geographic boundaries, defined partner destinations, and deliver rides as requested through a mobile app. It will fill origin-to-destination gaps for eligible residents through a dependable, on-demand, all-electric ride service at no cost.
The micro transit solution will complement and enhance Tucson's free public transportation system and increase access for every needy resident.
Focusing on Early Childhood
First Things First supports the development, well-being, health, and education of all Arizona’s children, birth to age 5. The early childhood years are when the brain grows and develops the most. About 90% of a child’s brain growth happens by age five before they start kindergarten. Scientific research has shown that a child’s experiences in their early years affect how their brain develops.
Research has also proven that kids with quality early childhood experiences do better in school. They are more likely to go to college and have successful careers. They also tend to be healthier and demand less from the public welfare system.
First Things First partners with families and communities to help kids have the positive, nurturing experiences they need to arrive at school ready to succeed. First Things First provides quality early care and education programs, preventive health efforts, and supports parents in their role as their child’s first teachers.
If you would like to learn more about the program and the need to sustain funding, please link HERE for the presentation or click the image.
The Atkinson Conceptual Framework For Instructional Systems
A New Teaching and Learning Paradigm
This White Paper describes a technological (conceptual) framework and learning repository that provides 1) structure for organizing teaching and learning material across all content and life domains and 2) autonomy for allowing individuals to create their roadmap of teaching, learning, and personal transformation. When applied, this repository allows individuals to learn more effectively, efficiently, and permanently, including changing habits for healthier outcomes and healthier lives.
Developed by Charlie Atkinson, EdD, The Atkinson Conceptual Framework for Instructional Systems (The Atkinson Conceptual Framework) is a visual representation that is mental, physical, and digital. This proprietary tool provides a roadmap for applying superior creative problem-solving and critical thinking skills to an array of lifestyle topics.
This White Paper is appropriate for learning system content developers, technology companies with platforms and databases, and companies with access to users who require more efficient and improved learning to achieve healthy lifestyles.
Digital Learning Systems for Healthy Lifestyles
The Whole Brain Foundation is pioneering a unique digital health teaching and learning system. Even when health professionals provide the highest quality of prevention and treatment, results can fall short when people lack the knowledge and tools to self-manage their health. The Foundation is designing a Universal Repository of Learning to host Personal Lifestyle Skills (PLS) content and curriculum that will be accessible and affordable through the Healthy Employee Learning Platform (HELP).
Based on the Atkinson Whole Brain Conceptual Framework—a 3-D visualization of how the brain works—an intelligent learning system is under development to treat Celiac Disease and Gluten Spectrum Disorders. Transforming lifestyle and adherence to Gluten Free Diet is critical in improving long-term patient health. The learning system could be extended to behavioral health issues associated with dementia, addiction, anxiety, exercise, obesity, sleep, chronic diseases, and social relationships. Find out more at: www.thewholebrainfoundation.org