THE NEAR EASTSIDE HEALTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The HOPE (Healthy Options for People Everywhere) Renaissance

OUR MISSION

Changing and sustaining healthy lifestyle behavior through increase physical fitness activities, nutritional education, medical and mental health support, and spiritual and intellectual development.

The Near Eastside Health Advisory Committee (NEHAC) was formed as a result of the 2004 Columbus Public Health, Healthy Neighborhood Report Near Eastside of Columbus.  This report detailed the health conditions of our residents, many of whom are suffering from cardiovascular disease, diabetes, renal disease, stroke, obesity, cancer and a high incidence infant mortalities.  Residents of the near eastside, agencies and healthcare professional have come together under the support of Columbus Public Health to provide solutions to these critical health issues affecting the residents of Columbus’ near eastside.  The NEHAC established five areas of concentration in addressing the health and wellness of its community.  Those areas of concern are the following:

·       Food Availability: Increase the distribution and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables by residents

·       Chronic Disease: Support programs that address the prevention of chronic disease and improvement health and wellness, thereby reducing the epidemic rate of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, obesity and stroke among the near east residents

·       Primary Healthcare Providers:  Increase the number of primary healthcare practitioners serving the near eastside of Columbus to reduce the dependency of hospital emergency rooms for care in addressing primary healthcare needs

·       Physical Fitness: Promote the development and greater participation of physical fitness activities and programs among children and adults residing on the near eastside

·       Project Funding: Provide letters of support and recommendation to agencies, organizations, groups, and individuals seeking funding to support the previous four initiatives of Food Availability, Chronic Disease, Primary Healthcare Providers and Physical Fitness programming

The NEHAC meets monthly at Columbus Public Health, 240 Parsons Avenue, Columbus OH. 43215.  Meeting are the second Wednesday of each month and begin at 2:00 p.m.  Residents of the near eastside are always invited to attend meetings, as well as, organizations and agencies who seek support and involvement of NEHAC for their health and wellness programs that serve the near eastside community.  The NEHAC represents nearly thirty thousand residents according to the 2000 census. 

Chair: Tim Anderson
Co-Chair: Trudy Gaillard, PhD, RN, CDE

For more information regarding NEHAC
contact Near East Facilitator
Ryan E. Johnson
rejohnson@columbus.gov
(614) 645-7335