What Indianapolis residents need to live longer
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Community members discuss the Indy Health District's first strategic plan during a meeting at the Mosaic Center. Photo: Justin L. Mack/Axios
Residents living in five north side neighborhoods say food, housing and professional development are three of the biggest hurdles they need help clearing to achieve their communal goal of living longer.
Why it matters: Marion County residents live shorter lives than the average Hoosier, and life expectancy drops even further for those living in the Indy Health District's (IHD) 1,500-acre jurisdiction.
By the numbers: A Richard F. Fairbanks Foundation analysis of CDC data finds that Marion County has an average life expectancy of 73 years, lower than all of its surrounding counties.
- The state average is 75 years, and the U.S. average is 77 years.
Threat level: IHD leaders say life expectancy for residents in the Crown Hill, Meridian Highland, Highland Vicinity, Flanner House Homes and Ransom Place neighborhoods is just 69 years compared to more than 80 years in nearby suburbs.
Driving the news: Hundreds of residents braved the ice and snow Tuesday night to gather for the unveiling of IHD's first strategic plan.
- The blueprint that outlines the district's next phase of initiatives was shaped by feedback from 900 people who filled out surveys, attended listening sessions and contributed to town hall discussions over a 10-month period.
Catch up quick: Launched in October 2024, the district is a collaborative nonprofit supported by IU Health, Ivy Tech Community College, the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, IU School of Medicine and Citizens Energy Group to improve quality of life in the communities near IU Health's new $2.3 billion hospital.
- In its first year, IHD celebrated milestones like the creation of a "floating" farmers market that served more than 1,450 people; breaking ground on an $8 million affordable housing development at the intersection of 22nd and Illinois streets; and the Mosaic Center's August opening, giving the district a health care-focused professional development hub.
Yes, but: New trails added in year one, for example, drew the ire of residents who expressed concerns over landscaping, location and other implementation issues during the meeting.
- Community members also shared their fears about new development leading to the area's gentrification; the need to bring teens into the conversation; and resources that will allow them to advocate for themselves.
What they're saying: IHD executive director Jamal Smith told Axios that while the process won't always be perfect, he wants the IHD to remain a community-driven endeavor that embraces raw, honest discussion.
- "I'm not afraid of the work, so I'll commit to continuing to step to the plate and take swings," Smith told Axios. "You guys just have to keep throwing balls."
- "If we don't get it right, tell us. And give us a chance to come back and do it. So far they've been willing to hold up their end of the bargain, so I've definitely got to do mine."