CUYAHOGA COUNTY (OH) Profile

Team Profile Summary

Decades of disjointed federal, state, and local policies have caused social and structural issues that impact urban community health. The Cuyahoga County PLACEMATTERS team is guided by its vision for a Cuyahoga County where people can thrive because there is equitable access to resources and opportunities, whether, economic, social or environmental, that are necessary to attain the highest quality of life. The team informs, influences, and engages policy makers and community members to use an overarching health equity lens for the development of policies that create conditions for optimal health such as safe housing, adequate green space, clean air and water, access to healthy foods, access to quality health care, and quality education.  It is intended that the long-term impact of these efforts will improve health outcomes and reduce inequities, allowing urban communities to thrive.   

For additional information, please contact Najeebah Shine at (216)201-2001 x1500, nshine@ccbh.net or Sandra Chappelle 216/431-8010, schappelle@saintlukesfoundation.org.

Team Profile Details

Problem Statement

  • East Cleveland, with a land area of about three (3) square miles and a 2000 U.S. Census population of 27, 217, is one of the most densely settled communities in Cuyahoga County, Ohio.
  • The city has a poverty rate of 32%. In 2000, 17% of all housing units were vacant.
  • Heart disease mortality rates are higher in East Cleveland (355/100,000) compared to the county and the nation (10% and 32% higher respectively)

Team Objectivess

  • Collaborate with the Health and Development Committee in developing a strategic plan to incorporate health into land use policies in East Cleveland.
  • Establish or enhance opportunities for cardiovascular health promotion in East Cleveland linked to new land use policies.
  • Establish a Dugway Brook Watershed subcommittee, which focuses on building support for the preservation and improvement of water quality, land use, and habitat.

Community Partners:

  • Huron Hospital
  • US EPA County Board of Health (CCBH)
  • Cuyahoga County Department of Development
  • East Cleveland Parks and Recreation
  • East Cleveland Park Association
  • RDK Active Health Solutions
  • National Park Service
  • Newbirth Development Corporation
  • Cuyahoga County Planning Commission
  • Cleveland State University-Center for Health Equity
  • East Cleveland City School District OSU Extension
  • Residents

For more information and to become involved, please contact:
Team Leads: Najeebah Shine, MS, RD, LD / Sandra Chappelle
Email: nshine@ccbh.net /schappelle@saintlukesfoundation.org
Phone: (216) 201-2001 ext. 1500 / (216) 431-8010