PLACE MATTERS is a major initiative of the Joint Center to build the capacity of community leaders to address social, economic and environmental conditions in communities that shape health and health outcomes.  PLACE MATTERS is designed to improve the health outcomes of participating communities through shared learning experiences.  The program assists participating teams in developing and implementing community-based strategies to address the social factors that determine health.  The PLACE MATTERS initiative aims to address health equity by cultivating new leadership one community at a time.

The mission of the Orleans Parish PLACE MATTERS Team is to advocate for polices that promote safe, healthy learning environments for youth and families.  This year Orleans PLACE MATTERS and the Joint Center released the report PLACE MATTERS for Health in Orleans Parish: Ensuring Opportunities for Good Health for All.  This report outlines policy recommendations that serve as directives for our mission.  You can access the report at  http://www.orleansplacematters.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/CHER-Final-text.pdf.