Three Ways Toward A Healthier Community

By Stuart Smith

This month, we have been reviewing the pressure poverty places on people’s physical, mental, and emotional health. But, unless someone seeks your help, it is generally considered inappropriate to bring up someone’s poor health choices or their physical or mental wellbeing. If we believe someone isn’t caring for themselves well, it might feel like it isn’t our business, or we might think we are overstepping our relational boundaries. Some may share that they need to change certain lifestyle habits. Or tell you that they are struggling emotionally or physically. But for the most part, we may not know there are issues before it is too late.

So how can we affect change or promote good health practices in our community and among individuals?

I want to focus on three practical steps we can take to lead change for a healthier community:

1 – Be relationally available.

Begin with a prayer. Ask God to help you see people in their area of need, and pray that you become a person who is approachable and safe. The Lord will bring people to you to help.
Assist with practical needs. For example, if someone has a doctor’s appointment, offer to watch their children or give them a ride.
Be a good listener. Sitting with someone over coffee or going for a walk and allowing them to express themselves is all someone needs to promote a healthy future. The main point is to be available to help relationally.

2 – Join or start a program within your church or community.

Research what your church does to support organizations or members of the community and get involved.
You may need to start an initiative. Connect with your pastor to develop a good pathway. Then, find others aligned with your interests to serve the community and gather them to begin a cohort.
Participate in or help organize community health fairs. These events, and others like them, are often put on to improve the wellbeing of the community. At these events, vendors typically provide information to community members who want to learn more about resources in their area.

3 – Learn and advocate for the marginalized.

There can be a stigma and bias
for low-income patients, who may face discrimination or bias from healthcare providers, affecting the quality of care they receive. Your presence at a doctor’s visit or selecting a good healthcare plan could be invaluable.
Become a student of the broken systems that cause hardship for those in need. There are constructive books, podcasts, and blogs (you’re reading one right now) that help you understand where the pain is in our community.
We can advocate for policies that improve healthcare access for lower-income Americans by becoming aware and sensitive to measures we vote on and who we support in official roles.

When we consider someone facing physical or emotional health challenges, reflecting on how we would want to be cared for is helpful. Most of us desire compassion, understanding, and practical support without judgment or embarrassment. By being relationally available, actively engaging in community initiatives, and advocating for those who are marginalized, we can collectively create a supportive environment that encourages healthier lifestyles and emotional wellbeing. Each small act of kindness and each step toward community involvement can collectively transform lives—one relationship at a time. Let’s commit to becoming a community that values health, dignity, and compassion for all.