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 […]
Partnership Spotlight: How Collaboration Drives Health Equity
Five Health’s model is built on a simple premise: no single organization can address all five social determinants of health alone. Partnership is not optional—it’s essential. This post highlights how our collaborative approach multiplies impact and creates sustainable systems change. Our Partnership Ecosystem Five Health works with five primary partner categories: Healthcare Systems We partner […]
Mental Health in Communities of Color: Breaking the Stigma
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This year, Five Health is focusing on the specific barriers that Black and Latinx communities face when seeking mental health care—and what we can do about it. The Stigma Is Real In many communities of color, talking about mental health carries heavy stigma. Depression and anxiety are sometimes dismissed […]
Neighborhood and Health: How Built Environment Shapes Your Wellness
The neighborhood you live in affects your health as much as the genes you were born with. That’s not an exaggeration. It’s what decades of research shows. Built environment is the term public health experts use to describe the physical spaces where we live, work, and play. It includes things like sidewalks, parks, grocery stores, […]
STI Myths vs. Facts: What You Actually Need to Know
April is STI Awareness Month, which means it’s time to clear up some of the myths that keep people from getting tested and treated. Let’s separate fact from fiction. MYTH: You’d know if you had an STI. FACT: Most STIs have no symptoms, especially in the early stages. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and syphilis can all […]
STRIDE Academy Success Stories: Economic Empowerment in Action
Economic instability drives health disparities. Five Health’s STRIDE Academy addresses that root cause directly by providing workforce development and financial literacy training to community members facing employment barriers. This post shares outcome data and participant stories from our first cohort. The Program Model STRIDE Academy runs eight-week cohorts that combine: Resume building and interview preparation […]
Spring Into Wellness: Your Preventive Care Checklist
Spring isn’t just for cleaning your house. It’s also the perfect time to check in on your health. Preventive care means catching problems before they become serious. It’s the checkups, screenings, and vaccines that keep you healthy instead of waiting until something goes wrong. The problem is that most people skip preventive care. Sometimes it’s […]
Year One Reflection: Lessons Learned Building a Community Health Organization
Building a community health organization from the ground up teaches you things that textbooks skip. This post shares some of what we’ve learned at Five Health, and what we’d do differently. Lesson 1: Trust Takes Time (and Showing Up) You can’t build trust with a community by announcing programs. You build it by showing up […]
Understanding Intimate Partner Violence: Resources and Warning Signs
Intimate partner violence (IPV) affects people of every background, income level, and community. It’s not limited to physical abuse. IPV includes emotional manipulation, financial control, threats, stalking, and sexual coercion. Understanding the warning signs is the first step toward getting help, whether for yourself or someone you care about. Warning Signs to Watch For IPV […]