Urban planning and design can address issues of affordable and accessible healthcare for all residents in the following ways:
1. Increase access to healthcare facilities: Urban planners can provide more options for healthcare facilities in underserved areas. For example, building community health clinics and hospitals in areas that are experiencing rapid population growth. This will help reduce the travel distance and make it more affordable for patients to access healthcare.
2. Improve public transportation: Urban planners can improve the public transportation system to make it easier for residents to get to healthcare facilities. This can include building bus or train stops closer to healthcare sites, introducing shuttle services, or creating bike lanes.
3. Promote walkable neighborhoods: Urban planners can design neighborhoods that promote walking as a primary mode of transportation. This will help residents access healthcare facilities and other essential services like grocery stores and takeout restaurants, which can help reduce transportation costs.
4. Provide social services: Urban planners can include social services, such as counseling, rehabilitation, and substance abuse treatment centers, with healthcare facilities. Integrating these services will help residents access the care and support they need to improve their health outcomes.
5. Promote healthy living: Urban planners can design public spaces that encourage healthy living, such as parks and recreation centers. These spaces provide residents with the opportunity to engage in physical activity, which is a crucial component of preventing and treating chronic illnesses.
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