The first CHC National Forum brings experts together in support of Built to Thrive findings that show the 1.4 trillion dollar yearly toll from health disparities across the nation - and gains pledges from multiple sectors to address them

Creating Healthier Communities (CHC) held its first National Forum this week, gathering more than 150 leaders from business, philanthropy, healthcare, government, and local groups around one clear target: reducing the life expectancy gap by half over the next ten years. The event marks a major step forward for CHC as it nears its 70th anniversary in June 2027, after nearly seven decades of linking nonprofits, companies, and communities to boost well-being and build stronger local areas.

The gathering took place at KFF's Barbara Jordan Conference Center and focused on Built to Thrive: A Blueprint for Healthier Communities, Stronger Workforces, and Economic Vitality - a study issued in June by CHC's Leadership Council for Healthier Communities that details the heavy price of weak community health. Key points from the report include:

The total economic impact of health disparities nationwide reaches about 1.4 trillion dollars annually
U.S. companies face over 575 billion dollars each year in expenses linked to the health conditions in areas where staff reside
Early spending on public health yields roughly 14 dollars in return for each dollar invested - and up to 27 dollars for some nationwide efforts
The disparity can be narrowed: after fifteen years of joint investment in New Orleans's Columbia Parc area, life expectancy rose by nearly 15 years and crime dropped over 90 percent.

"Poor community health has long been viewed as someone else's issue, yet its effects appear daily through staff shortages, higher medical expenses, missed work, exhaustion, and reduced output," said Jean C. Accius, PhD, President and CEO of Creating Healthier Communities. "As CHC approaches its 70th anniversary, we are dedicating our next stage to this major effort of cutting the life expectancy gap in half. At the Forum, leaders from all areas came together to support the goal and shape plans for closing the gap over the coming decade."

The sessions included voices from private industry, healthcare, and community groups such as Ken Dychtwald, Founder and CEO of Age Wave; Marcus Smith II, former NFL first-round pick; Bina Venkataraman, author of The Optimist's Telescope and former White House climate advisor; Dr. Sarita Mohanty, President and CEO of The SCAN Foundation; Hill Harper, Actor and Advocate; Cedric Wilson, Vice President and General Manager of Amazon Health Services, Northeast; Mikki Taylor, Editor-at-Large at Essence Magazine; Dr. Sandra Bruce Nichols, Founder and CEO of The Samaritan Health Project, Inc.; Rani E. Snyder, MPA, President of The John A. Hartford Foundation; and others - highlighting the broad alliance needed. Forum partners included Age Wave, AARP, Archstone Foundation, The SCAN Foundation, Johns Hopkins University and Medicine, The John A. Hartford Foundation, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, and NAMASP.

"Many Americans will reach their 80s and 90s, yet lifespan and health still vary greatly by location and living conditions. Narrowing the life expectancy gap stands as a key challenge of our time, and those present recognize that communities solving it will shape the longevity economy," said Ken Dychtwald, PhD, Founder and CEO of Age Wave and Presenting Sponsor of the Forum.

"Location influences aging, and for many older adults it decides if longer life brings dignity, purpose, and independence. Closing this gap calls for policies, systems, and supports that enable healthy aging for all, guided by those most affected," said Sarita A. Mohanty, MD, MPH, MBA, President and CEO of The SCAN Foundation.

"By 2030, one in five Americans will be 65 or older, and the frameworks created now will determine if those added years are healthier. All generations gain from an age-friendly society, and no one sector can create it alone," said Rani E. Snyder, MPA, President of The John A. Hartford Foundation.

In his final remarks, actor and advocate Hill Harper shared his input for the next part of the Built to Thrive research series, due out in September 2026.

During the day, participants posted personal and group pledges on a Forum Commitment Wall, outlining concrete steps they and their organizations will take over the next decade to shrink the longevity gap in the areas they serve.

Groups and individuals who wish to view the event replay or take part in this effort can check chcimpact.org or reach out via email.

About Creating Healthier Communities

For nearly 70 years, Creating Healthier Communities has linked nonprofits, businesses, and communities to create broad impact that enhances lives and reinforces local areas. With a network of over 5,000 partners across the country, CHC works on barriers to health so every person, regardless of ZIP code, can achieve their best health. Learn more at chcimpact.org or follow on social media at @chcimpact.

SOURCE Creating Healthier Communities