About
Blaming individuals for having poor health or crediting them for good health is inappropriate.
When the critical health and wellness needs of a community are not being met, action must be taken. On August 5, 2024, ten dedicated residents of Newark’s Brick City community made a bold decision—to chart a new course.
Rooted in our deliberate & unwavering commitment to holistic well-being, Brick City champions the Five Critical Social Determinants of Health to incorporate the Eight Pillars of Holistic Wellness. Many factors combine together to affect the health of individuals and communities. Whether people are healthy or not, is determined by their circumstances and environment. To a large extent, factors such as where we live, the state of our environment, genetics, our income and education level, and our relationships with friends and family all have considerable impacts on our health.
To advance our more holistic vision: We invite individuals, businesses, community and faith based organizations across Newark, Essex County, New Jersey, and globally to partner in being “Cause in the Matter”—advancing our international Rotary motto of “Service Beyond Self” to create meaningful, transformational change in human lives.
5 Critical Social Determinants of Health
Critical social determinants of health are economic and social conditions that influence the health of people and communities. These conditions are shaped by the amount of money, power, and resources that people have, all of which are influenced by policy choices. Critical social determinants of health affect factors that are related to health outcomes.
Factors related to health outcomes include:
Economic Stability
Reliable, well-paying jobs provide the financial security needed for healthcare, nutritious food, and safe housing.
Economic Stability
Description
Economic stability forms the foundation of a healthy life. When individuals have steady employment, fair wages, and access to basic needs like food and housing, they are better positioned to maintain physical and mental wellness. Financial insecurity, on the other hand, contributes to chronic stress, poor nutrition, and delayed healthcare—all of which worsen health outcomes.
Take Action Now!
Support job training programs, advocate for a living wage, and donate time to local housing and food security initiatives to help build healthier, more stable communities.
If this is an area of interest to you, your company or your organization, Click on the related hyperlink button to fill out the application to become a Rotarian and join the committee working on transforming peoples and communities.
Education Access & Quality
Quality education, especially early on, leads to better jobs, higher income, and informed health decisions.
Education Access & Quality
Description
Quality education is a powerful predictor of long-term health. It equips individuals with critical thinking, health literacy, and life skills that shape healthy behaviors and economic opportunities. Disparities in early childhood education and underfunded schools widen health gaps across communities.
Take Action Now!
Champion equitable funding for schools, volunteer as a tutor or mentor, and push for policies that ensure every child receives a strong educational foundation (advocacy for neurodivergent student, student voice, etc.)
If this is an area of interest to you, your company or your organization, Click on the related hyperlink button to fill out the application to become a Rotarian and join the committee working on transforming peoples and communities.
Healthcare Access & Quality
Timely, affordable, and high-quality healthcare is crucial to preventing illness and promoting community health.
Health Care Access & Quality
Description
Everyone deserves timely, affordable, and culturally competent care. Yet, millions face barriers due to cost, lack of insurance, provider shortages, or discrimination. Gaps in access to care can lead to preventable diseases and worsened health over time.
Take Action Now!
Advocate for universal healthcare access, support community clinics, and educate others on navigating the healthcare system.
If this is an area of interest to you, your company or your organization, Click on the related hyperlink button to fill out the application to become a Rotarian and join the committee working on transforming peoples and communities.
Neighborhood & Built Environment
Safe, clean, and resource-rich environments support health, while neglected areas increase health risks.
Neighborhood & Built Environment
Description
Where we live has a profound impact on our health. Safe neighborhoods, clean air and water, accessible transportation, and proximity to healthy food and green spaces all support well-being. In contrast, unsafe or polluted environments contribute to disease and trauma.
Take Action Now!
Get involved in local zoning decisions, support urban gardening and clean-up efforts, and fight for safer, greener community spaces.
If this is an area of interest to you, your company or your organization, Click on the related hyperlink button to fill out the application to become a Rotarian and join the committee working on transforming peoples and communities.
Social & Community Context
Strong social ties and equitable access to support systems are essential for reducing health disparities and fostering well-being.
Social & Community Context
Description
Strong social ties and inclusive communities’ foster resilience and emotional well-being. On the flip side, isolation, racism, sexism, stigmatisation and community violence harm health and deepen health disparities. Supportive environments encourage trust, connection, and shared responsibility.
Take Action Now!
Join or organize community-building events, promote mental health awareness, and speak out against discrimination and injustice.
If this is an area of interest to you, your company or your organization, Click on the related hyperlink button to fill out the application to become a Rotarian and join the committee working on transforming peoples and communities.
8 Pillars of Holistic Wellness
Good health is not just the absence of disease or sickness. So we encourage and guide our communities to assess their holistic health and wellness on a wider spectrum. The 8 pillars of Holistic health and wellness. We believe that the path to wellness is not one-size-fits-all. The journey is unique and different for each individual.
So, let’s learn more about each pillar and how you can strengthen each one:
Physical
Stay active with fitness classes and outdoor activities, avoid smoking, and prioritize regular check-ups to prevent chronic illness and support long-term wellness.
Physical Wellness
Description
Physical wellness is about caring for your body through movement, nutrition, sleep, and regular medical check-ups. It’s the foundation for energy, strength, and resilience. When we neglect our physical health, we’re more vulnerable to illness, fatigue, and chronic conditions.
Take Action Now!
Take a daily walk, eat whole foods, stay hydrated, and schedule your routine medical check-up today. Create an accountability or wellness partner!
If this is an area of interest to you, your company or your organization, Click on the related hyperlink button to fill out the application to become a Rotarian and join the committee working on transforming peoples and communities.
Intellectual
Quality education, especially early on, leads to better jobs, higher income, and informed health decisions.
Intellectual Wellness
Description
Intellectual wellness fuels curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning. Challenging your mind improves focus and mental agility while fostering a sense of purpose and accomplishment. A stagnant mind can lead to boredom and disengagement.
Take Action Now!
Create opportunity for community group to help community constituents. Read a new book, take an online course, or start a creative project that excites you.
If this is an area of interest to you, your company or your organization, Click on the related hyperlink button to fill out the application to become a Rotarian and join the committee working on transforming peoples and communities.
Emotional
Timely, affordable, and high-quality healthcare is crucial to preventing illness and promoting community health.
Emotional Wellness
Description
Emotional wellness involves understanding, expressing, and managing your feelings. It helps build resilience and the ability to cope with stress, loss, and change. Ignoring emotional health can lead to anxiety, burnout, and strained relationships.
Take Action Now!
Form self-reflection (Mindfulness) groups, form Brick City groups to talk to vulnerable community members, or explore group therapy or individual therapy to strengthen emotional balance.
If this is an area of interest to you, your company or your organization, Click on the related hyperlink button to fill out the application to become a Rotarian and join the committee working on transforming peoples and communities.
Spiritual
Safe, clean, and resource-rich environments support health, while neglected areas increase health risks.
Spiritual Wellness
Description
Spiritual wellness involves a sense of purpose, inner peace, and values that guide your life. It can come from religion, nature, meditation, or personal reflection. Neglecting it may leave you feeling aimless or disconnected.
Take Action Now!
Take quiet time for reflection, explore your beliefs, or engage in practices that nourish your spirit.
If this is an area of interest to you, your company or your organization, Click on the related hyperlink button to fill out the application to become a Rotarian and join the committee working on transforming peoples and communities.
Financial
Build a strong financial foundation by setting clear goals, budgeting wisely, cutting costs, and saving consistently for long-term peace of mind.
Financial Wellness
Description
Financial wellness means managing your money wisely and planning for the future. It brings security, reduces stress, and creates freedom to make healthy life choices. Poor financial health can limit access to care, food, or housing.
Take Action Now!
Engage local financial institution to create forums around financial literacy. Create a simple budget, build a savings habit, or seek free financial advice to take control of your finances.
If this is an area of interest to you, your company or your organization, Click on the related hyperlink button to fill out the application to become a Rotarian and join the committee working on transforming peoples and communities.
Occupational
Occupational wellness means doing meaningful work that aligns with your values while maintaining work-life balance for overall well-being.
Occupational Wellness
Description
Occupational wellness is about finding satisfaction and purpose in your work or daily roles. It includes work-life balance, using your strengths, and aligning with your values. Without it, stress and dissatisfaction can grow.
Take Action Now!
Create a blog/podcast teaching professional development and the importance of work life balance. Set healthy boundaries at work, seek professional growth, or reflect on what meaningful work means to you.
If this is an area of interest to you, your company or your organization, Click on the related hyperlink button to fill out the application to become a Rotarian and join the committee working on transforming peoples and communities.
Environmental
A healthy environment supports personal and planetary well-being through safe spaces and sustainable choices.
Environmental Wellness
Description
Environmental wellness recognizes how your surroundings—natural and built—affect your health. Clean, safe, and sustainable environments support well-being. Cluttered or toxic environments increase stress and harm health.
Take Action Now!
Create local advocacy groups to promote safe neighborhoods. Declutter your space, plant something green, or reduce your plastic use to help your environment and mind.
If this is an area of interest to you, your company or your organization, Click on the related hyperlink button to fill out the application to become a Rotarian and join the committee working on transforming peoples and communities.
Social
Strong social connections are vital. Brick City HW&E builds networks to help residents form meaningful, supportive relationships.
Social Wellness
Description
Social wellness is built on meaningful relationships, communication, and a sense of connection. It’s essential for emotional support, belonging, and shared joy. Isolation can lead to loneliness and mental health decline.
Take Action Now!
Reach out to a friend, join a group activity, or attend a community event this week!
If this is an area of interest to you, your company or your organization, Click on the related hyperlink button to fill out the application to become a Rotarian and join the committee working on transforming peoples and communities.
📧
Subscribe to Our Magazine
Interested in receiving the Brick City Rotary magazine? Submit your request below.
Note: Subscription requests are first reviewed. Then, payment details will be shared via email.