Because people who identify as BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+, and/or as having a disability lack a baseline feeling of safety, spaces to feel supported and experience identity-specific joy are of key importance. Education and systems level advocacy is needed to work toward a baseline of safety for our priority populations in schools, churches, service providers, and public spaces.

A holistic, humanizing approach is needed to reduce health inequities on the Southern Oregon Coast and collaboration is vital as we strive toward thriving communities. Effective approaches must address the entire person and each of their needs. Beyond the individual, effective approaches will support families in their entirety. Effective approaches will be community integrated and culturally responsive, building on existing strengths of our priority populations.

Three broad themes emerged across the needs assessment data. First, community and identity-specific joy saves lives. Second, schools are vital points of intervention across priority populations. Third, it’s time for a culture shift in health care, movement toward community integration and cultural responsiveness. Collectively, these themes are promising starting points as we work toward health equity on the Southern Oregon Coast.

This needs assessment belongs to the South Coast Equity Coalition and should not be reproduced in anyway.