Solving problems by addressing the underlying factors. By digging deep and attacking the root causes of a problem, changemakers are able to treat the disease rather than just the symptoms. These solutions offer help to those in need, employ a comprehensive approach to problem-solving, and address the determinants that keep individuals and communities from succeeding.
Treating underlying poverty-related conditions that cause health or education problems. For example, instead of just treating asthma, helping the child get housing that doesn't make the disease worse.
Help rather than punishmentThinking of behaviors such as addiction as diseases that require treatment.
Using a comprehensive approachProviding people with services that address multiple challenges at once.
1395
https://www.citylab.com/design/2018/11/car-free-pedestrianization-made-pontevedra-spain-kid-friendly/576268?utm_source=Solutions+Story+Tracker
Jaime Velazquez
CityLab
26 November 2018
Text / 800-1500 Words
Nearly two decades ago, Pontevedra, Spain, made a radical shift away from cars and focused on redesigning the center from the sight line of a child walking on the street. Combined with affordable residences in the urban area, the strategy has revitalized the center, luring young families and creating an atmosphere where parents feel supported and children flourish. CO2 emissions have also dropped as fewer people drive cars and the town has experienced more growth than others in the region.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/25/health/opioid-overdose-deaths-dayton.html?utm_source=Solutions+Story+Tracker
Abby Goodnough
The New York Times
25 November 2018
Text / 1500-3000 Words
Fatal overdoses in Dayton, Ohio have fallen 50% in the past year. The city's success is a combination of multiple factors, including cooperation between health workers and police agencies, widespread availability of Nalaxone, Medicaid expansion, and more; however, whether these changes can be replicated and stay successful in the long-term is yet to be proven.
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/11/21/668800660/gun-shops-work-with-doctors-to-prevent-suicide-by-firearm?utm_source=Solutions+Story+Tracker
Melissa Block
NPR
21 November 2018
Radio / 5-15 Minutes
In Colorado, where 80 percent of gun deaths are suicides, a coalition of gun shop owners, public health researchers and doctors works to raise awareness of suicide and the role of firearms in those deaths. Staff in gun shops are trained to look for signs of mental distress in customers and participating shops have pamphlets on suicide prevention. The coalition also helps train medical professionals about guns so they can speak to patients with authority.
https://www.citylab.com/equity/2018/11/treatment-centers-addiction-mental-health-caring-4-denver/576202?utm_source=Solutions+Story+Tracker
Jason Plautz
CityLab
21 November 2018
Text / 800-1500 Words
Colorado has recently adopted a new .25 percent sales tax to create a pool of funding for mental health and addiction services. The initial funds are earmarked to create a new mental health center, while the overall vision for the funds is to create services to move addiction to a public health rather than a criminal issue.
http://www.modeldmedia.com/features/street-outreach-court-112018.aspx?utm_source=Solutions+Story+Tracker
Aaron Mondry
Model D
20 November 2018
Text / 800-1500 Words
Street Outreach Court Detroit is a collaboration between the courts and service providers to waive legal and financial obligations post-conviction if a person makes a commitment to an individualized action plan. These plans can include steps such as substance misuse treatment, enrolling in a workforce readiness program, and accessing housing subsidies.
https://www.denverpost.com/2018/11/17/colorado-anti-bullying-program-pot-dollars?utm_source=Solutions+Story+Tracker
Monte Whaley
The Denver Post
17 November 2018
Text / 800-1500 Words
In Colorado voters approved spending money from marijuana tax sales on education. As much as $2 million is distributed to Colorado schools to spend on evidence-based anti-bullying programs. “Usually it means getting students, teachers and parents and the community involved.” The effort is working, “the percentage of students that reported being bullied dropped from 59 percent to 25 percent last school year, and the state was ranked third in the country for best bullying practices.
https://wdet.org/posts/2018/11/12/87524-michigan-cities-face-eviction-crisis-here-are-some-solutions?utm_source=Solutions+Story+Tracker
Jake Neher
WDET News
12 November 2018
Radio / Over 15 Minutes
As Michigan cities struggle with high eviction rates, Cleveland is trying out some creative ways to mitigate the difficult effects of eviction. One effort, mediation between tenants and landlords, might lead to eviction being erased from someone’s record - a huge win. Another program connects social workers to tenants facing eviction. Finally, legal aid advocates support legal representation for anyone facing eviction. It’s a long road ahead, but other cities are definitely learning from Cleveland.
http://www.unionleader.com/news/stigma/beyond-the-stigma-state-launching-push-to-promote-recovery-friendly/article_9eec597c-7511-5823-977b-ea5aafd4bc9e.html?utm_source=Solutions+Story+Tracker
Shawne K. Wickham
New Hampshire Union Leader
10 November 2018
Text / 800-1500 Words
A state program is providing supports for businesses to create 'recovery friendly' workplaces for employees with substance use disorders. Supports include connecting employees with a licensed counselor, peer supports, and posted information about recovery resources.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/08/arts/norman-rockwell-freedom.html?utm_source=Solutions+Story+Tracker
Laura Holson
The New York Times
8 November 2018
Mixed Media / 800-1500 Words
In the midst of a seemingly increasingly divided political and racial landscape, some artists of color are pushing back to create art that represents marginalized communities. Some artists have chosen to do this by recreating Norman Rockwell’s paintings, which in the earlier part of his career mainly showcased white people. “The image haunted me because of the world we live in,” the artist said, referring to today’s divisive political climate. “I wanted to imagine what it would look like today.”
https://www.theguardian.com/world/commentisfree/2018/nov/07/ace-adverse-childhood-experience-trauma?utm_source=Solutions+Story+Tracker
Lauren Zanolli
The Guardian
7 November 2018
Text / 1500-3000 Words
As more research has found links between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and negative health outcomes, a growing number of organizations and sectors are incorporating trauma-informed screening and training into their work. Police officers, primary care pediatricians, parents, and school counselors are moving away from the question "what's wrong with you?" to ask "what happened to you?"
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