The Organization Healthy Places by Design advances community-led action and proven, place-based strategies to ensure health and wellbeing for all. Operating as a virtual organization based in North Carolina, we envision a nation of healthy, equitable communities where everyone reaches their full potential. We believe that health and wellbeing are essential human rights. We create impact where it is most needed, respecting, and honoring the voices of people who face the starkest health...

What happens when all people who spend time in a park—including people without homes—have equal say in how it is renovated? Or when the dignity of those living on the street is considered in urban design, down to the features of city trash cans? Creating inclusive, healthy places demonstrates that compassion is an undeniable community value. These examples are drawn from my participation in a study group during a visit to Copenhagen last summer. For the past year, I’ve served as a sounding...