INDIANAPOLIS — Eskenazi Health has commitmented to generational change, working collaboratively throughout the neighborhoods of Indianapolis to advance health equity and improve life expectancy. The effort includes a campaign known as Beyond Barriers, a $60 million initiative to support Eskenazi Health’s longstanding commitment to addressing the social drivers that impact the health and well-being of residents in Marion County and across Central Indiana. The campaign will provide funding to expand existing programs and access to services while also establishing three initial health equity zones.
Since its inception as City Hospital more than 160 years ago, Eskenazi Health has focused resources to address social determinants of health in the community. With facilities deliberately placed in low-income neighborhoods and along IndyGo bus routes, these efforts have taken the form of free health coaching focused on nutrition and physical activity, clinic-based and drive-thru food pantries, investment in creating walkable communities, a violence-recidivism reduction program, a Medical-Legal Partnership, free resources for individuals battling cancer, support for new mothers, vaccination clinics, health fairs, and more.
By 2025, health equity zones will be implemented at three Eskenazi Health Center sites located throughout Indianapolis: Eskenazi Health Center West 38th Street – International Marketplace, Eskenazi Health Center East 38th Street – Northeast Corridor and Eskenazi Health Center Grassy Creek – Far Eastside.
Individuals living in poverty are additionally burdened with many threats to health and well-being. Challenges such as disability, mental health, medical issues and substance use disorder impede education and job opportunities, limit child and adult brain development, contribute to violence, and reduce quality of life.
In addition to establishing health equity zones with neighborhood leaders and residents to increase access to health care, mental health care and nutritious foods, the Beyond Barriers campaign will allow Eskenazi Health to leverage existing resources and partnerships to collaboratively improve life expectancy in Indianapolis.