Marice Ashe

In the wake of Freddie Gray’s death, Baltimore residents took to the streets in protest. The best media coverage showed how years of neglect have crippled West Baltimore economies, fostered distrust and violence, and put a long, healthy life entirely out of reach for many residents, Gray included.

Akron, Ohio's Accountable Care Community has brought together a coalition of partners to reduce the number of residents suffering from chronic disease and treatment costs. Similarly, nonprofit hospitals elsewhere can do much more to improve the health of entire communities.

The use of shorthand descriptions of complex health policies is common practice among journalists and editors. But when such initiatives are described as "bans," the media does a disservice to the public debate around these issues.

<p>To help combat the obesity epidemic, school districts are joining with local agencies – often for the first time – to work out a way to open their gates to the public after hours.</p>

<p>With escalating obesity rates and growing interest in “buying local,” it’s a prime moment for health reporters to shine a light on how local government leaders can build momentum for a strategy many communities have long ignored.</p>