Reducing Health Gaps
in Wayne County

ABOUT OUR REACH COALITION

The REACH Coalition is a Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-funded program aimed at improving chronic diseases in our communities. Our goal is to improve accessibility to physical activity, healthy foods, and breastfeeding to ensure optimal health for all.

By implementing evidence-based public health strategies, we’re focused on partnerships that create solution-oriented outcomes to improve quality of life for Wayne county residents. More specifically, we’re focused on reducing chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.

As a coalition, we are developing a robust multi-year strategy to improve quality of life and reduce chronic disease burden by:

Improving Breastfeeding Rates & Access to Resources

Increasing Physical Activity Opportunities

Improving Access to Healthy Foods

Setting Food Service Guidelines

Through community-driven collaborations with local organizations, we aim to forge strategic partnerships to maximize impact across our communities.

Chika Obianwu presenting at a REACH meeting

Our REACH Coalition’ initial focus will be on Detroit, then spanning to its surrounding communities.

In these communities, we will analyze:

Number of grocery stores

Food desert classification
Transportation options
Area walkability
Prevalence of chronic disease

Our Method

IDENTIFY GOALS

Determine how we want to address chronic disease burden and community-oriented solutions.
COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT

Gather information from the community on access, challenges, and barriers to resources in the community through surveys and focus groups.
EXPAND OUTREACH & EDUCATION EFFORTS

Collaborate with community-based partners with similar missions that can contribute their expertise to develop strategies and resources for the communities served.
BUILD & STRENGTHEN PARTNERSHIPS

Improve community-clinical linkages through meaningful engagement and partnership..