Creating and Scaling Sustainable Solutions for Communities

Our Mission

The Whole Community Health Initiative was created as a collaboration between the Kenan-Flagler Business School and UNC Public Policy to focus on the social and economic factors, the physical environment and the policies that determine quality and longevity of live.

The Whole Community Health Initiative fosters connections to partner institutions to build collective and sustainable solutions.

Our Approach

The whole community health model focuses on six interconnected pillars of opportunity:

Economic Stability 

Education

The availability of healthy food and the absence of hunger among at-risk vulnerable populations.

Access to high-quality health care and well-trained providers suited to the needs of the community.

Social integration and community engagement.

The physical environment.

In the News

Treasury Convening on Child Care

The U.S. Treasury and the White House convened two panels, one of child care providers, and one of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to discuss challenges in the child care sector… (con’t)

 April 30, 2024

Original video courtesy of
the The Biden White House.
YouTube

Mass Migration: Why are people moving south?

Virginia’s demographics are changing. Jeanne Milliken Bonds, public policy professor at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School explains the shifts.

May 2, 2024

Original article courtesy of the VPM / NPR / PBS.
by ANGIE MILES Writer, Host

The EIDC Economic Development Journal – Fall 2023

Learn practical tips and strategies for living a more sustainable lifestyle.

November 30, 2022

International Economic Development Council
1275 K Street, NW, Suite 300 • Washington, DC 20005 • www.iedconline.orgChair: Jonas Peterson, CEcD
President & CEO: Nathan Ohle
Editor: Jenny Murphy.

Community Capital Conference Opening Session: The Strategic Vision of Rock Hill

Jeanne Milliken Bonds, Chair of the SC Community Capital Alliance, moderates sessions at the 2023 Conference in Rock Hill, SC

May 2023

White Papers

Mapping Vulnerability: Childcare Facilities, Climate Risks, and Economic Challenges in Eastern North Carolina

This report assesses the vulnerability to climate change impacts and economic challenges of childcare providers in Eastern North Carolina.

Is North Carolina’s Attractiveness as a Migration Destination Waning?

we are witnessing a re-balancing after the COVID migration surge or a fundamental shift in North Carolina’s attractiveness as a domestic and international migration magnet

Advancing Water Equity in North Carolina Case Studies: Edgecombe and Robeson Counties

Local community leaders are provided with an inventory of the state and federal resources available specifically to repair, upgrade, and expand water and wastewater systems in distressed North Carolina counties.

Sick School Syndrome: Examining the Impact of Sick Schools in Six North Carolina Counties

​Defined by indoor air pollution, decaying infrastructure, and delayed maintenance, sick schools can impact students’ academic achievements, developmental growth, and overall well-being.

North Carolina at a Demographic Crossroad: Loss of Lives and the Impact

North Carolina’s phenomenal migration-driven population growth masks a troubling trend: high rates of death and dying prematurely which, left unchecked, can potentially derail the state’s economic growth and prosperity in the years ahead.

Will Hurricane Ian Trigger Climate Refuge Migration from Florida?

Thirteen of Florida’s counties were declared eligible for federal disaster relief following Hurricane Ian’s disastrous trek through the state (The White House, 2022). The human toll and economic impact are still unfolding.

Virginia's Shifting Demographics and the Future Competitiveness of the Commonwealth

A Whole Community Health approach to Virginia’s rapid population growth over the past three decades.

The painful pandemic lessons Mandy Cohen carries to the CDC

“North Carolina initially failed to prioritize testing for people who were exposed to #COVID19 because of where they live or work.” – Jeanne Milliken Bonds, Professor of Social Impact Investing at the University of North Carolina.

Demographically Targeted Approaches to Community Economic Development in North Carolina

This September 2022 insight explores two major challenges in North Carolina’s recent rapid growth.

Building an Inclusive Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

Hear from community members and explore our recommendations for building an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

COVID-19 and North Carolina's Shifting Demography

This 2022 study reveals COVID-19’s impact on the geo-demography of North Carolina.

Urgently Needed: Equity Tools to Navigate Demographic Gale-Force Wind Gusts

Demographic disruptors could prevent North Carolina from reaching public health goals. Outlined here are policy prescriptions and strategic investments to turn these disruptors into opportunities.

Assessing the Impact of Covid-19 on Low Income Households and Communities in North Carolina

This study assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its efforts to combat poverty and facilitate self-sufficiency in low-income communities throughout North Carolina.

Covid-19 Vaccine Distribution: A Race Blind Approach to a Racially Disparate Problem?

Considerable scholarly analysis and media attention has documented the racially disparate impact of coronavirus infections, hospitalizations, and deaths.