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Geographic destiny shouldn't determine your health destiny, yet your zip code remains one of the strongest predictors of how long and how well you'll live. Dr. Jean Accius, President and CEO of Creating Healthier Communities (CHC), brings this stark reality to light in our compelling conversation about health equity and cross-sector solutions.

Drawing from his unique career spanning private, public, and nonprofit leadership roles, Dr. Accius shares wisdom that crosses boundaries: "No organization can solve these issues in isolation." This multi-sectorial approach forms the backbone of his strategy at CHC, where partnerships between companies, government agencies, and nonprofits tackle barriers affecting health and longevity across communities.

The discussion takes on personal dimensions when Dr. Accius reveals the influence of his 101-year-old grandmother, who despite dementia, continues to provide wisdom with her consistent reminder to "be strong." This mantra anchors his leadership during challenging times, reflecting the resilience needed to address America's most pressing health challenges—particularly the crisis in aging care, where nursing home costs exceed $120,000 annually and family caregivers provide an estimated $660 billion in uncompensated care.

Perhaps most powerful is Dr. Accius framework for creating healthier communities through what he calls the "three P's": Personal responsibility for individual health choices, Public responsibility through government programs like Medicaid, and Private responsibility from businesses to create healthier workforces and communities. As technology and AI transform healthcare delivery, Dr. Accius emphasizes that we must ensure these advancements reach all communities equitably.

Ready to break down barriers to health in your community? Visit chcimpact.org to learn how you can partner with CHC in their mission to ensure every person, regardless of zip code, has the opportunity to live their healthiest life.