CORE Conditions for Health & Well-being

CORE Conditions for Health & Well-being

Everyone in Santa Cruz County, across the life span, should have equitable opportunities to experience these eight interdependent CORE Conditions for Health and Well-being. This means that people’s opportunities and life outcomes across these CORE Conditions are not predicted by their race, ethnicity, income, gender identity, sexual orientation, immigration status, zip code, or other social identities.

Equity is at the center of the CORE Conditions to illustrate that we have to examine and address our individual, organizational, and systemic beliefs, practices, and structures that perpetuate the very inequities we are determined to eliminate.

The eight CORE Conditions are all connected to one another. For example, equitable access to Lifelong Learning & Education opportunities can increase the likelihood of Economic Security and Social Mobility, which in turn affects Health and Wellness, as well as the ability to find and maintain Stable, Affordable Housing. In individuals’ and families’ lives, the CORE Conditions overlap and connect to one another, as they do in the CORE Framework as well.

That being said, some programs and initiatives may be anchored in one or two CORE Conditions more than others. The community-level impacts associated with each CORE Condition on the CORE Results Menu recognize that programs, practices, policies, and initiatives may focus on a particular CORE Condition or impact within it, while still aligning with other efforts and CORE Conditions.

Read a description of each CORE Condition below.

• Health & Wellness

  All community members experience optimal physical, mental, social-emotional, behavioral, and spiritual health across the life span.

• Lifelong Learning & Education

  High-quality education and learning opportunities from birth to end of life.

• Economic Security & Social Mobility

  Stable employment, livable wages, food security, ability to afford basic needs, wealth accumulation, and prosperity.

• Thriving Families

  Safe, nurturing relationships and environments that promote optimal health and well-being of all family members across generations.

• Community Connectedness

  A sense of belonging, diverse and inclusive neighborhoods and institutions, vibrant arts and cultural life, and civic engagement.

• Healthy Environments

  Clean, safe, sustainable natural environment and a built environment and infrastructure that support health and well-being.

• Safe & Just Community

  Fair, humane approaches to ensuring personal, public, and workplace safety that foster trust, respect, and dignity.

• Stable, Affordable Housing & Shelter

  An adequate supply of housing and shelter that is safe, healthy, affordable, and accessible.