SVMC Community Health Needs Assessment 2021 - Catalog - Page 34
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Throughout the five community forums led by SVMC, efforts to build accessible community gathering
spaces were mentioned frequently. Whether simply a physical location, or a facility with organized
intergenerational programming, a designated space for community togetherness was at the forefront of
many minds. The need for socialization, peer support, group physical recreation, and other healthy
behaviors could serve as an important mechanism to improving the mental and physical health of
communities.
Additionally, the State of Vermont
and SVMC’s service area are both
becoming more racially diverse. 25%
“I would like to see more deliberate, structured
of individuals moving to Burlington
communications and programming to include
are people of color28; a similar growth
BIPOC and LGBTQ+ community members who have
of young and middle-aged people of
potentially been underrepresented in approaches
color within SVMC’s service area is
to care delivery.”
taking place, as shown in the figure
on the preceding page. Individuals
aged 13 to 24, and to a lesser extent
those aged 35 to 64, are more racially diverse than those 65 years and older. Ensuring a welcoming,
inclusive environment, where diversity is not merely tolerated but is celebrated, is important to creating
a community that will retain these young individuals. Research indicates that, as diversity increases and
inaccurate stereotyping subsides, the subjective well-being of individuals improves.29 A diverse
community, free of racism, prejudice, and discrimination, is a healthy community.
Survey Respondent Quote:
Survey Responses: Sexual Orientation
n=1,626
Don't know, prefer not to answer, other
Bisexual
13-34 years
35-64 years
Lesbian, gay, homosexual
65+ years
Straight, heterosexual
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
28
Equity Initiatives. The City of Burlington. https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/CEDO/Equity-Initiatives
Bai X, Ramos MR, Fiske ST. As diversity increases, people paradoxically perceive social groups as more similar. PNAS.
2020;117(23), 12741-12749. Published May 20, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2000333117
29
Southwestern Vermont Medical Center
Community Health Needs Assessment 2021