In 2022, Penn Medicine established a new program to leverage the healing power of nature in promoting health and safety in eight West and Southwest Philadelphia communities, writes Christina Hernandez Sherwood for Penn Today.
The program, called Deeply Rooted, was built on insights from the research of executive director and associate vice president for Health Justice, Eugenia (Gina) South. She found that where is an established connection between greening and public health.
Through the program, community partners come together to plant trees, green vacant lots, build miniature parks, and fund grassroots programs.
Janaiya Reason is the community engagement manager for Deeply Rooted.
Growing up in West Philadelphia, the closest park to her home be eight blocks away with no green space in between.
“Some people view having trees and green space as amenities, not necessities. They feel that only wealthier neighborhoods get prioritized, not my neighborhood,” Reason said. “But we should have access to urban nature. The benefits it provides are so significant.”
Reason added that they prioritize planting the right type of trees in the right place. This helps the community feel more comfortable with having trees in their neighborhood.
Read more about the Deeply Rooted program and how it’s addressing Philadelphia’s health equity in Penn Today.
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