The NCH2 Catalyst intends to spark new collaborations and ideas that will affect the health and well-being of Chicagoland residents.  Climate change, overlaid with the immense challenges of the COVID pandemic, has exposed the stark inequities in our region--communities more prone to flooding and heat, more exposed to toxic pollution and poor air quality, limited access to fresh food, and little opportunity to access safe and welcoming nature.    
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In light of these daunting challenges, NCH2 has initiated the Triple Aim—a new framework that spurs new community-based partnerships that will help build community resilience.  As the NCH2 Mission statement notes, “access to nature -- clean air, clean water, and welcoming, safe nature spaces -- is an essential determinant to health and well-being.” NCH2 promotes the Triple Aim in its messaging, to policy makers, to change-makers.  Interested in engaging in the inaugural Catalyst Seed Grant?
Stay in the know.  

Check out current examples of the Triple Aim in action! 

Caring for Local Ecosystems

How do communities ​create and develop solutions for their homes, businesses, parks, common areas that will experience more flooding, more weather extremes, commercial development, and animal and plant habitat erosion? 

​How do communities restore and create habitats for birds, insects, animals that have been overdeveloped, farmed, and paved over?​

Community Health ​

How do communities promote opportunities for all to enhance physical, social, and mental health through movement, mindfulness, time outside, as well as ensuring outdoor spaces are safe and welcoming? How do they prevent the onset of chronic health conditions or prevent the onset of illnesses related to these conditions with these kinds of activities?  

Equity and Environmental Justice ​

How do environmental justice communities shape solutions, and recover from industrial ground and water waste, toxic pollution, noise and air pollution, as well as prepare for challenges that arise with rapidly changing climate? 

​How do communities identify and seek ways to close gaps in access to quality nature spaces and create opportunities to engage in nature?  

 “Access to nature has been related to lower levels of mortality and illness, higher levels of outdoor physical activity, restoration from stress, a greater sense of well-being, and greater social capital. Natural elements that promote well-being include trees, diverse vegetation, local biodiversity, water features, parks, natural playscapes, community gardens, and school gardens.
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Given the importance of contact with nature for well-being, the American Public Health Association supports the protection and restoration of nature in the environments where people live, work, and play”  
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-APHA, Improving Health and Wellness through Nature