Healthy communities, healthy bottom lines

"Despite spending more on healthcare than any other nation, the U.S. is falling behind on nearly every major health indicator. Life expectancy is declining, chronic illness is rising, and access to care remains uncertain for one in four Americans. These aren't just public health issues. They're economic issues. They weaken our workforce, strain businesses, threaten national security, and erode trust in institutions."

"The equation is simple: Healthy communities fuel healthy businesses. One Deloitte report estimates that improving health across the U.S. could add $2.8 trillion to GDP by 2040, with corporate profits possibly increasing by $763 billion. In today's environment, companies prioritizing health attract better talent, earn more trust, and stay more competitive. It's a business risk no leader can afford to ignore."

"For too long, corporate social responsibility was treated as an afterthought. A check written here, a charitable initiative there. But stakeholders are demanding more. A recent survey found that 84% of Americans believe corporations have a responsibility to strengthen the communities where they operate, and 72% say those corporations should help solve major systemic issues. Today, employees, customers, and investors expect it."

Boardrooms face many risks, but reliance on healthy people and communities is often overlooked. The U.S. spends more on healthcare yet lags on key health indicators: life expectancy is falling, chronic illness is rising, and one in four Americans faces uncertain access to care. Poor population health weakens the workforce, strains businesses, threatens national security, and erodes institutional trust. Improving health could add trillions to GDP and substantially raise corporate profits. Corporate responsibility has shifted from charity to strategic necessity as employees, customers, and investors increasingly expect businesses to strengthen community health.

Read at Fast Company