About
About BUILD
In June of 2023, the Hamot Health Foundation team identified disparities in health outcomes across Erie's communities.
Recognizing a need for leadership focused on addressing these health issues, we formed BUILD, a nonprofit community development corporation.
We know a person's health is influenced by many factors beyond medical care. These factors, include:
- Education
- Employment
- Housing security
- Neighborhood conditions
- Access to transportation and nutritious food
These social drivers of health (SDoH) significantly impact a person's health and overall quality of life. Understanding and addressing SDoH is crucial for promoting fair access to healthcare and enhancing overall community health.
In Erie's city limits, profound disparities in life expectancy exist.
Access to resources and opportunities vary greatly depending on one's zip code, underscoring the urgent need for intervention.
BUILD focuses on four key areas identified through comprehensive data analysis from sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau and the Erie County Department of Health, and local insights from partners like Love Your Block, UPMC Count Me In, and Erie Center for Arts & Technology. By targeting these focus areas, we strive to create meaningful, lasting change and improve health outcomes for Erie residents.
