Rodney Johnson is the executive director of One Health Englewood

Tell us about your organization and the work you do there. 

One Health Englewood is a community-based organization dedicated to improving the health of Greater Englewood and surrounding communities. We strive to achieve this by using the public health tools of health literacy, advocacy, research, and promotion to address structural violence and the social determinants of health. 

Structural violence refers to the multiple ways social, economic, and political systems expose particular populations to risks and vulnerabilities, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and — ultimately — health inequities. 

The social determinants of health focus on underserved communities’ environments, where adequate education and employment opportunities that lead to better health outcomes are not available.

What communities do you serve? 

The primary communities we serve are Englewood and West Englewood in Chicago. Our goal in 2021 is to expand our reach in other areas of the city, especially on the South Side, including South Shore, Auburn Gresham, Roseland and Chatham.

Why did you decide to join the Illinois Kidney Care Alliance? 

Kidney disease is an important issue in the African-American community. As a public health entity, we look to partner with leading organizations to bring needed resources into the community.

What do you hope the alliance accomplishes? 

Our goal is to use our relationship with the Illinois Kidney Care Alliance and other organizations to create a campaign to decrease kidney disease and the incidence of diabetes.

What policy changes do those living with kidney disease need now? 

We need policies that focus on prevention and access to care in low-income areas that address the upstream factor of all preventable diseases, including kidney disease.

What can lawmakers do to help those with kidney disease? 

An effective lawmaker knows their district and the priorities of their communities. They listen to the people and respond to their needs and that is exactly why we need to educate everyone involved so we can continue to make progress and reduce disparities in health care. We need our lawmakers to be champions for the people.

What is something most people don’t know about dialysis/kidney disease? 

They both contribute to the high level of morbidity in the African-American community. The burden has a more significant effect because more people die from kidney disease than violence.

If you can share one story about the work you and your organization do, what would it be? 

Greater Englewood was a great place to live when I was a child, and the community had one of the busiest shopping districts in Chicago. It was also a place with a bustling nightlife, where a person did not need to leave the neighborhood to seek entertainment. Kids played in the parks and streets without the constant threat of violence. All this changed during the decades after the end of the Civil Rights Movement.

Any additional information you would like to share about your organization? 

I created One Health Englewood to help the community change for the better. We look forward to working with organizations to facilitate this change.