WHO WE ARE:

The Monroe County Health Equity Council brings together people from all parts of our community. Members come from different backgrounds and experiences, but share a common goal: creating positive change and helping others have a voice.

OUR HISTORY:

In 2020, the Community Justice and Mediation Center (CJAM) and Bloomington Health Foundation (BHF) came together to make sure more community voices are heard in local decisions about health and well-being.

With support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Community Voices for Health in Monroe County (CVHMC) project brought people together to listen, share ideas, and explore better ways to create a healthier, more inclusive community.

One important result of this work was the creation of the Monroe County Health Equity Council (MCHEC)—a place where community members can come together, share their experiences, and help shape a healthier future for everyone.

OUR MISSION:

• To serve as a bridge between underrepresented communities, elected officials, and other decision makers and quickly mobilize diverse networks to provide input in policy decisions.

• To convene diverse stakeholder groups and facilitate deliberative conversations on pressing health-related issues.

• To recommend equitable solutions to community health matters based on diverse community input.

• To continue to participate in and enhance the Community Health Improvement Plan process in Monroe County.

OUR GOALS:

The Monroe County Health Equity Council (MCHEC) works to make sure all community voices are heard when decisions are made about health and well-being. Health is about more than medical care. It is also shaped by things like food and housing, safety, jobs and financial stability, neighborhoods, racism and other unfair systems.

MCHEC helps connect local leaders with people and communities whose voices are often left out of important decisions. By listening to more voices and including more perspectives, we can work together to build a healthier and more equitable community for everyone.