Our Community, Our Health, Our Future.
The health of our community isn’t just about doctors and hospitals—it’s about everything that touches our daily lives. It’s about the air we breathe, the homes we live in, the schools we attend, the food we eat, and the opportunities we have to connect and thrive. It’s about addressing the barriers that hold us back and strengthening the supports that lift us up. In the Indy Health District, we’re committed to creating real, lasting change that improves life expectancy and quality of life for everyone who lives, works, learns, or plays here.
This isn’t just a plan—it’s a promise. Transforming health takes time, and it starts with understanding where we are now. That’s why we built the Health Impact Dashboard: a tool that tracks the data behind the story of our community’s health. From housing and education to income and access to fresh food, the dashboard captures the social determinants of health that impact how long and how well we live.
We invite you to explore the dashboard and discover what’s driving change in the Indy Health District. Each icon below links to a topic that’s shaping our future—click to learn more. Together, we’re building a healthier, stronger community, one step at a time.
Measuring What We Aim to Impact
Community Health
Community Health metrics tell us about the health of the people living in the district on the whole. These are our “north star” metrics, guiding us toward the ultimate goal of seeing the people of the district living lives that are as long and as healthy as those of any other community. In the Indy Health District, the average lifespan is just 69 years, compared to over 80 years in nearby suburbs. The Indy Health District is committed to closing this large gap.
Key Metrics Tracked:
- Life Expectancy at Birth
- Poor Physical Health Days
- Poor Mental Health Days
Education Access and Quality
Education is one of the strongest predictors of health and longevity. From early childhood to adulthood, access to quality education shapes opportunities, career paths, and overall well-being. People with higher education levels tend to live longer, healthier lives—and their children do, too. Education opens doors to good jobs, fair wages, and safe working conditions. It also provides access to essential resources like health insurance, stable housing, and nutritious food—all of which directly impact life expectancy.
Key Metrics Tracked:
- Educational Attainment Among Adults (age 25+)
- 4-Year Public High School Graduation Rate
- Educational Opportunity Among Youth (age <25)
- High-Quality Childcare Capacity
Healthcare Access and Quality
Healthcare access and quality are crucial factors which influence personal and community health and well-being. Access is about being able to obtain healthcare services when you need them, whether you are sick or well. Quality healthcare means that the services provided are effective, safe, and centered around the patient’s needs, leading to better health outcomes. The goal of the Indy Health District is to see all people in the district have broad access to quality healthcare.
Key Metrics Tracked:
- Prenatal Care in the 1st Trimester (% of births)
- Annual Checkup Rate Among Adults
Neighborhood and Built Environment
The built environment profoundly shapes the health, safety, and daily experiences of everyone who lives, works, and plays in the Indy Health District. This section of the dashboard highlights key indicators that reflect how our physical surroundings—such as buildings, infrastructure, green spaces, and public amenities—contribute to community well-being. These metrics evaluate both the quality of our shared spaces and the ease with which people can safely access essential services and destinations. From walkable routes and park access to food availability and transportation safety, the data presented here provides a clear picture of how the physical design of the district impacts health equity and quality of life.
Key Metrics Tracked:
- Low Food Access
- Walkable Access to Daily Services and Destinations
- Walkable Access to Parks
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Transportation
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety
Social and Community Context
When a community is built on connection, trust and a sense of belonging—known as social cohesion—residents experience a higher quality of life, greater well-being, and improved health outcomes. The Indy Health District is committed to fostering these connections and to maintaining and facilitating social cohesion among residents.
Key Metrics Tracked:
- Community Social Cohesion
- Movement In and Out of the Indy Health District
Economic Stability
Economic stability is vital for individual and community health. Without it, people struggle to meet basic needs like housing and food and are less likely to engage in community activities. The goal of the Indy Health District is to increase economic stability in district households.
Key Metrics Tracked:
- Poverty Rate
- Housing-Cost-Burdened Households