Ballpark NEXT is grounded in the belief that health is shaped not just by hospitals or clinics, but by the conditions in which people live, work, and play.
The Ballpark neighborhood faces significant disparities compared to Salt Lake County, underscoring the urgent need for place-based, health supportive design interventions. Below are a few key metrics:
Guided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Social Determinants of Health framework, the plan prioritizes human-centered design strategies that address root causes of health disparities in the Ballpark neighborhood.
According to the CDC, Social Determinants of Health are “conditions in the environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes and risks.” These are organized into five key domains:
The CDC notes that strong social connections improve health and resilience. But many people, especially those facing discrimination or isolation, lack support. Building relationships at home, work, and in community spaces helps people thrive.
The CDC highlights that timely, affordable, and quality healthcare is essential. Many people lack insurance or providers nearby, making it harder to get preventive care or manage health conditions.
According to the CDC, steady income and access to basic needs like housing, food, and healthcare are critical for good health. Poverty, low wages, and lack of job opportunities increase risk for chronic illness and poor outcomes.
Where people live affects their exposure to violence, pollution, and other risks. The CDC stresses that safer streets, clean air and water, and access to parks and transportation can greatly improve health.
The CDC links education to long-term health. Students who attend quality schools are more likely to succeed and stay healthy. Barriers like poverty, discrimination, or underfunded schools increase health risks over time.
Housing cost burden shows when housing costs take up too much income, leaving less for essentials that support health.
| Salt Lake County | 24.7% |
|---|---|
| Ballpark Census Tract | 51.4% |
Racial/ethnic minority status highlights groups that often face systemic barriers to health, housing, education, and economic opportunity.
| Salt Lake County | 30.2% |
|---|---|
| Ballpark Census Tract | 48.3% |
Poverty reflects limited income and access to basic needs, which can negatively impact health and deepen long-term inequality.
| Salt Lake County | 15% |
|---|---|
| Ballpark Census Tract | 35.1% |
No high school diploma signals limited education access, which is linked to lower income, fewer job opportunities, and poorer health outcomes.
| Salt Lake County | 8.2% |
|---|---|
| Ballpark Census Tract | 18.3% |
Social and Community Context
Healthcare Access and Quality
Economic Stability
Neighborhood and Built Environment
Education Access and Quality