The NCH2 Triple Aim Framework

The NCH2 Catalyst intends to spark new connections and ideas that will affect the health and well-being of people and the planet.  Climate change, overlaid with the immense challenges of the COVID pandemic, 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.  These problems will not be solved by one group working alone, but requires groups to work together to leverage change in multiple areas simultaneously. This is the idea behind the Triple Aim. 
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 NCH2's Triple Aim—is an intersectional framework that we hope will reduce silos and build cross-sector, community-based partnerships that will help build 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 our Triple Aim in its messaging, to policy makers, to change-makers.  
 

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 with a rapidly changing climate? How can community residents and organizations advocate to ensure environmental injustices addressed? 

​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 to spend time in nature to enhance physical, social, and mental health through movement, mindfulness, and outdoor activities.  


How do communities prevent the onset of chronic health conditions--chronic stress, anxiety, high blood pressure, and diabetes to name a few-- or prevent the onset of illnesses related to these conditions with spending time in nature?  

Equitable and Inclusive Access to Nature​

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

​How do we ensure these nature spaces are safe and welcoming? 

 “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