1. Social Determinants of Health: Public health recognizes that health outcomes are influenced by a variety of social, economic, and environmental factors. Community service addresses these social determinants of health by directly engaging with communities to improve living conditions, access to resources, and overall well-being.

2. Building Social Capital: Community service fosters the development of social capital, which refers to the networks and relationships within a community. Strong social connections are linked to better health outcomes, as they provide support systems, reduce isolation, and create a sense of belonging.  We take pride in the fact that we are Greene Strong and our residents do too!

3. Empowerment and Participation: Involving community members in service activities empowers them to take an active role in their own health and well-being. This participation can lead to a greater sense of ownership and responsibility for community health outcomes.

4. Disaster Preparedness and Response: Community service is crucial during times of disasters or public health emergencies. Volunteers and community organizations play a vital role in providing immediate assistance, distributing resources, and supporting recovery efforts.  By brining together our volunteers, we strengthen these ties, positioning us to more easily identify people willing to help us meet future response demands.

5. Environmental Health: Many community service projects focus on improving environmental conditions, such as clean-up initiatives, pollution reduction, and access to clean water. These efforts directly impact public health by creating safer and healthier living environments.

6. Behavioral Change: Community service projects often aim to promote positive behavioral changes. These changes can contribute to long-term improvements in public health and teach youth early on about the effects and consequences of negative behaviors.

This work is integral to public health as it addresses the broader determinants of health, empowers communities, and facilitates collaboration to create environments that support well-being and prevent disease. 

All of this work would not be possible without the generous donations/sponsorships from residents and partners from all across our community.  If you are interested in helping us sponsor this event, or you want to learn more, please connect with us at (217) 942-6961 Opt 6