Youth Engagement: Building Health Literacy Early
Health behaviors start young. So does health education. Five Health is launching a Youth Health Ambassadors program to train high school and college students as peer educators in their schools and communities. Why Focus on Youth? Most health education programs target adults, but by then, many habits are already set. Adolescence and young adulthood are […]
HIV Testing: Why Everyone Should Know Their Status
HIV is no longer a death sentence. With modern treatment, people living with HIV can live long, healthy lives and cannot transmit the virus to sexual partners. But that’s only possible if you know your status. Why Testing Matters An estimated 1 in 7 people living with HIV in the U.S. don’t know they’re infected. […]
Mid-Year Impact Report: Six Months of Community Health
At the midpoint of 2026, Five Health has served more than 4,200 unique individuals across Miami-Dade County. This report highlights key outcomes, lessons learned, and strategic adjustments for the second half of the year. By the Numbers (January-June 2026) Health Access & Quality: 1,847 STI testing kits distributed (Home Access Program) 91% of kits returned […]
Healthcare Access: Your Rights and Resources
Navigating the healthcare system is confusing. Knowing your rights makes it easier. Your Rights as a Patient Regardless of your insurance status, citizenship, or ability to pay, you have rights: The Right to Emergency Care Hospitals must provide emergency treatment regardless of your ability to pay. You cannot be turned away from an emergency room. […]
Food as Medicine: Nutrition and Social Determinants of Health
Good nutrition is essential for health. Everyone knows that. But not everyone has equal access to healthy food. That’s where social determinants come in. Food Insecurity in Miami Food insecurity means not having consistent access to enough nutritious food. In Miami-Dade County, approximately 17% of households experience food insecurity. For households with children, that number […]
Scaling Community Health: Five Health’s Expansion Plan
After 18 months of operations, Five Health has proven that our integrated, social determinants-based approach works. Now we’re ready to scale. This post outlines our expansion strategy for 2026-2028 and the investment required to achieve it. Where We Are Now Current capacity (as of June 2026): Serving approximately 3,500 unique individuals annually Operating primarily in […]
Summer Safety: Heat, Hydration, and Staying Healthy
Miami summers are brutal. The heat isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s dangerous, especially for certain groups of people. Here’s how to stay safe when temperatures climb. Who’s Most at Risk Heat-related illness can affect anyone, but these groups are especially vulnerable: Older adults (65+), whose bodies don’t regulate temperature as well Young children and infants People with […]
Culturally Competent Care: Why Respectful Healthcare Matters
Everyone deserves healthcare that respects who they are. Culturally competent care means providers understand and honor the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and needs of the people they serve. The Health Disparities Are Real Many communities experience worse health outcomes due to discrimination, stigma, and healthcare systems that don’t serve everyone equally: Higher rates of mental health […]
Data-Driven Impact: How Five Health Measures Success
Effective social impact organizations don’t just do good work—they prove it. Five Health’s approach to data collection and impact measurement reflects our commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement. What We Measure Our metrics framework aligns with our five-pillar model, tracking both outputs (what we do) and outcomes (what changes as a result). Economic Stability […]
Substance Use and Recovery: Resources Without Judgment AUDIENCE: Community Members
Substance use affects people in every community, at every income level, and in every age group. If you’re struggling—or if someone you love is—you’re not alone, and help is available. This post is about resources, not shame. Understanding Substance Use Substance use disorder is a medical condition, not a moral failing. It changes brain chemistry […]