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How Healthy is your community?

Communities thrive when health initiatives align with local needs, and Fourth Economy is here to help organizations create sustainable, impactful solutions that improve well-being for all.

Health outcomes are shaped by more than just medical care—they are influenced by economic opportunity, physical environments, social networks, and access to essential services. 

 

Fourth Economy, we recognize that addressing community health requires a holistic, collaborative approach that brings together public agencies, nonprofits, healthcare providers, and businesses. Whether tackling food insecurity, housing instability, behavioral health challenges, or workforce shortages in healthcare, our team helps clients develop strategies that create lasting, equitable improvements in community well-being.

Fourth Economy’s portfolio of work within community health includes: 

  • Supporting a city’s initiative to improve food access through cross-sector partnerships

  • Conducting health impact assessments to inform policy and investment decisions

  • Developing a regional strategy to address social determinants of health

We bring expertise in economic development, data-driven decision-making, and community engagement to support initiatives that advance health equity and resilience.
Vegetables

Four questions to consider

How does your organization define and measure success in community health initiatives?

What partnerships are needed to strengthen and scale your impact?

How can data and community voices shape your strategy?

What funding and policy levers can help sustain long-term health improvements?

Our work is rooted in a comprehensive approach to community health, helping organizations and stakeholders navigate complex challenges with data-driven strategies and inclusive engagement. Consider the following questions as you explore opportunities to strengthen your impact.

Market

 

How can public health agencies collaborate with community partners to improve health outcomes?
 

What role do providers and systems play in addressing social determinants of health?
 

How can nonprofits and foundations strategically invest in initiatives that promote long-term community well-being?
 

What opportunities exist for  governments to integrate health considerations into policy and planning?
 

How can private sector partners contribute while also achieving business and workforce goals?

Place

How does your community’s built environment—housing, transportation, and public spaces—impact health outcomes?


What strategies can align economic development with public health priorities to create thriving communities?


How can investments in infrastructure, green spaces, and walkability contribute to better community well-being?


What role do local policies play in shaping healthier places for residents?

Identity

 

How can we ensure that all voices—especially those from historically underrepresented communities—are heard in shaping health initiatives?


What barriers prevent equitable access to healthcare, food, and economic opportunities in your community?


How can culturally responsive engagement strengthen trust and participation in public health programs?


What policies or practices can help address systemic health disparities in your region?

Organizational Capacity

 

What resources or partnerships does your organization need to sustain and scale its community health efforts?


How can data and impact measurement support stronger decision-making and funding opportunities?


What internal structures or processes can be improved to enhance collaboration and effectiveness?


How can cross-sector partnerships drive innovation and long-term success in community health initiatives?

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Project Examples

Get in touch to find out more about how Fourth Economy can help you drive impactful, community-centered health solutions.

Fourth Economy is an economic development consultancy that uses analysis and engagement to help communities become more equitable, strategic, and resilient. 

 

Want to know more? Get in touch!

Email: engage (at) fourtheconomy.com

 

Fourth Economy Consulting
PO Box 81620
Pittsburgh, PA 15217

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Fourth Economy is part of Steer Group – a Global Consulting Firm. Learn More.

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