Neighborhood & Built Environment
The Neighborhood and Built Environment determinant focuses on the quality of housing, access to nutritious food, neighborhood safety, environmental conditions, and recreational spaces. When neighborhoods offer clean, safe environments with ample resources, residents are better able to lead healthy lives. However, limited access to safe housing, healthy food, and green spaces can lead to poor health outcomes and increase the risk of chronic illnesses. Broadlawns Medical Center is dedicated to addressing these environmental challenges and fostering a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive in a safe and supportive neighborhood.
Ways Broadlawns Supports Neighborhood and Built Environment
We are committed to addressing the challenges within our community’s neighborhood and built environment that impact health. Our goal is to ensure everyone has access to safe, healthy, and supportive surroundings that promote overall well-being. Some of our initiatives include:
Off-Site Clinics: To ensure accessible and equitable healthcare for all, we offer off-site clinics that bring our high-quality medical services closer to those who need them most. These community-based clinics extend our reach beyond the main hospital, providing essential medical care to a wider variety of individuals across the community. By offering services in convenient, local settings. Our offsite Clinics include:
East University Clinic: Serving the east side of Des Moines
Cityville Clinic: Serving the southside of Des Moines
Community Clinic at Drake: Serving the Drake Neighborhood and Drake University
By offering services in local neighborhoods, we reduce barriers to care, ensuring more people receive the medical support they need close to home.
Transporation Support: We partner with local transportation company DART to offer bus tokens and transportation services around the community, making sure that transportation is never a barrier to receiving care. We have an active DART Bus Stop on our campus, used daily by patients and staff alike.
First Book Program: Leveling the Education Playing Field: We are proud to partner with the First Book Program to promote educational equity in our community. By providing access to high-quality books and learning resources, First Book empowers children in under-resourced neighborhoods, giving them the tools they need to succeed academically—regardless of their background. This initiative helps bridge the educational gap in Polk County, supporting a healthier, more vibrant community where children can thrive and reach their full potential.
Book Giveaway for Pediatric Patients: Every pediatric patient receives a book after their first visit. Early childhood literacy supports brain development, school readiness, and long-term academic success, setting the foundation for our young patients to succeed throughout their lives.
Community Literacy Spaces (Little Libraries): We are proud to host Little Free Libraries on our campus, providing 24/7 access to free books for patients, families, and community members. These volunteer-led, book-sharing boxes eliminate barriers to reading, offering everyone in the community the chance to discover new stories, gain knowledge, and experience the joy of reading. Through our Little Free Libraries, we are fostering a love of reading, championing diverse voices, and building a more connected, empowered community.
Priorities for Support:
- Funding transportation services in the community
- Expanding healthcare outreach
- Promoting early childhood literacy
- Enhancing literacy programs