Spoke out for a multisector response to the pandemic.

While standing up for public health departments that were under-resourced and under fire, we drew attention to the positive contributions other sectors could make in supporting communities’ physical and mental health. In the early days of the pandemic, we made the case that parks, beaches, and trails should be kept open safely so that the public could receive the lifesaving health benefits parks bestow (If we can safely distance at the grocery store, surely we can do the same at parks, Cal Matters). We also encouraged the safe re-opening of farmers markets to expand access to fresh foods and help keep small farmers afloat. (Farmers markets provide healthy food and support local economies. Keep them open during Covid-19 lockdowns, STAT) On our blog, we shared stories of how community organizations and coalitions won policy changes from schools, public transit agencies, and businesses to address needs created by the pandemic and its economic fallout. This work was supported by the Blue Shield of California Foundation, The California Wellness Foundation, and Movember. Photo by Satoko Arw on Instagram.