We All Belong
Belonging & Civic Muscle are Essential to Vibrant Health
Central to Rogue Community Health’s (RCH) mission is our belief that everyone deserves to lead a vibrantly healthy life. It is our goal to help every person we serve reach their fullest potential for health and well-being by providing wide-ranging healthcare services, including medical, dental, and mental health support. But achieving vibrant health isn’t only about medical care. That’s why our approach follows the 7 Vital Conditions for Health and Well-Being—a framework that considers the whole person and the full spectrum of what it takes to thrive.
The Role of Belonging in Health and Happiness
One of the most vital elements of this framework is feeling that we belong. When we feel valued, connected, and part of a supportive community we experience real health benefits. In fact, people with strong social bonds are 50% more likely to live longer than those without. The Surgeon General’s 2023 report on the healing effects of social connection emphasizes how a strong sense of belonging boosts resilience and mental health. Belonging also inspires us to look out for one another, offer support, and create a safe, welcoming environment for everyone. There is a strong correlation between a deep sense of belonging and positive health outcomes:
Higher Mental Health and Happiness
People who feel connected to others are significantly happier and report lower levels of anxiety and depression.
Better Physical Health
Socially connected individuals have lower rates of heart disease and are better able to manage chronic conditions.
Enhanced Resilience
People who feel connected to others are significantly happier and report lower levels of anxiety and depression. Communities with strong bonds weather difficult times with greater resilience. During crises, people with strong social connections recover more quickly and have more positive health outcomes.
These positive impacts show why belonging is essential—not just as a feeling but as a vital condition for well-being. We all have a role to play in fostering a sense of belonging, and at RCH, we’re committed to helping our community connect in meaningful ways. When we create spaces where people feel valued and supported, we make a critical investment in the health and resilience of our entire community.
Building Belonging and Civic Muscle
At RCH, we are deeply committed to fostering belonging and civic muscle in our community. Here are some of the ways we’re working to create a place where everyone feels they belong:
Collaborative Healthcare
Our Patient-Centered Primary Care Home model builds relationships between patients and their medical team. These trusted connections help patients feel understood, valued, and empowered in their health journeys.
Integrated Mental Health Services
Through initiatives like our Integrated Behavioral Health services, we provide mental health support at our clinics, ensuring patients have easy access to care. We help our community members feel seen, understood, and less isolated by addressing mental and emotional needs alongside physical health.
Community Health Workers
Our Community Health Workers provide culturally relevant outreach and support. They connect people with the resources they need and create a sense of inclusion and empowerment across diverse populations.
Patient Advisory Cohorts
RCH invites patients to have a voice in shaping our services. These advisory cohorts give patients a sense of ownership and participation, reinforcing their role in our mission and strengthening their civic muscle.
Gathering and Events
Join or Die: A Film on the Power of Community
We are hosting community gatherings in January and February to connect people with each other and with organizations doing valuable work in our communities. We'll host a screening of Join or Die, a thought-provoking documentary exploring the vital role that community and civic engagement play in our lives. The film examines how coming together with others in meaningful ways strengthens our communities and enriches our lives. In addition to the film. Sign up to learn more>>
Civic Muscle: The Power of Community Engagement
While belonging starts with feeling connected, it grows stronger when people take action together. That’s where civic muscle comes in. Civic muscle is the collective action we take to make our communities better. It’s volunteering, participating, advocating, and showing up for each other. Exercising this civic muscle strengthens not only our individual sense of purpose but also the community around us.
People who engage in civic activities report higher satisfaction, purpose, and physical health. We feel a greater sense of belonging when we actively participate and contribute to a healthier, more inclusive community. Civic engagement empowers us to be part of the solutions that shape the places where we live and work.
Simple Ways to Build Belonging and Civic Muscle in Your Community
Here are a few easy steps you can take to help foster belonging and build a more connected community:
Introduce Yourself to Neighbors
Whether you’re new to the area or a longtime resident, reaching out to neighbors can create strong bonds of connection and support.
Volunteer Your Time
Consider helping out at local organizations, schools, or community events. Volunteering is a powerful way to make new connections and give back to your community.
Join Local Events
From festivals to neighborhood meetings, joining others in community activities builds social connections and strengthens community spirit.
Support Local Businesses
By shopping locally, you contribute to the local economy and foster pride in the unique character of your area.
Make Your Voice Heard
Participate in local government, advocate for causes you care about, or stay informed about what’s happening in your community. Civic engagement is an effective way to build connections and make a meaningful impact.
Together, We Belong
Every person in the community has something to offer—whether it’s time, resources, perspective, or expertise. At RCH, we’re proud to support our community in this journey, and we invite you to join us in making our region a place where everyone feels valued and connected. When we work together, we create a healthier, stronger, more resilient community.
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Living in isolation reduces our chances of survival and social isolation increases the risk for premature mortality by 29%.
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People with strong perceptions of community belongingness are 2.6 times more likely to report good or excellent health than people with a low sense of belongingness.
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Social isolation, or even the perception of isolation, can increase inflammation in the body to the same degree as physical inactivity.
REF: Yang et al., 2016
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Children and adolescents who enjoy positive relationships with their peers, parents, and teachers experience improved academic outcomes.
REF: DuBoid et al., 2011
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Smaller social network size is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and of other diabetic complications including heart attacks and kidney disease.
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Being more socially connected can improve stress responses and minimize the negative health effects of stress.
REF: Cohen & Willis, 1985
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Poor social relationships, social isolation, and loneliness can increase your risk of heart disease by 29% and risk of stroke by 32%.
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