Stories

Why do so many Americans live sicker and die younger than others? What is it like to lead a life where factors beyond your control have a dramatic effect on how long and how well you live? For the individuals, families and communities in America where poor health is an everyday reality, even the most motivated need help to lead healthy lives. These are the stories of people whose health, despite their best efforts to make responsible choices, is desperately at risk. 

  • The Farrington And Singleton Families

    Beginning at even the youngest ages, the educational, social and other opportunities that children have are strongly linked to their health later in life. Although worlds apart in many respects, two North Carolina families both credit their children's experiences in the same Chapel Hill preschool with providing not only the skills in reading and writing that prepare them for kindergarten, but also the motor and social skills that are also critical for succeeding in school. Meet The Farrington And Singleton Families

  • The Elkins' Family

    Sheryl and Dean Elkins have spent most of their lives in Oak Hill, West Virginia, where Dean works as a volunteer fire fighter and helps his father run the family printing business. Sheryl is a stay-at-home mom caring for their autistic son, Keith, and caring for her aging mother and aunt. Learn how two generations of this American family have worked hard and struggled to be healthy in a place where obstacles to health abound. Meet The Elkins' Family

  • Kenyon McGriff

    It's easy to be healthy in a nice neighborhood, with tree lined streets, sidewalks, good grocery stores and farmers’ markets – but Kenyon McGriff didn’t grow up in a neighborhood like that. Weighing 270 pounds by the time he was in 10th grade, Kenyon learned that his environment, with all of its fast food restaurants, corner markets, and dimly lit sidewalks, was more of a challenge to his health than he had ever imagined. Meet Kenyon McGriff

  • Beverly Davis

    How does one person’s illness affect a family, a community and a society? What toll does it take on a mother? On her young children, their health and their chances for success? See how Beverly Davis, a former member of the U.S. Army and a single mother of two young children, strives to cope and live a successful, healthy life while suffering from a debilitating intestinal disease. Meet Beverly Davis

Share your story

The Commission is looking for individual perspectives on how factors such as income, education, housing, and the community you live in have impacted your ability to live a healthy life. We encourage you to share your story to help the Commission build the case for change in America.
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