The Sláintecare Healthy Communities (SHC) Programme is a cross-government initiative to reduce health inequalities in Ireland. Launched in 2021, the programme provides health and wellbeing services and community development initiatives in 19 community areas across Ireland where health inequalities are most evident.
“Health inequalities exist when a subgroup of the population suffers a disproportionate burden of ill health and premature death compared to the general population. Health inequalities are unnecessary, unfair, and avoidable.”
Good population health and wellbeing involves more than just delivering health services. The conditions in which we are born, grow, work, live and age, known as the social determinants of health, can influence our health more than healthcare or lifestyle choices. Addressing these determinants appropriately is fundamental for improving health and reducing longstanding inequalities in health. This requires action by all sectors and civil society.
Sláintecare Healthy Communities takes a life course and place-based approach to address local needs, addressing the social determinants where they are created. The Programme is led by the Department of Health and implemented at a local level by local authorities, the HSE and a wide range of community partners. Sláintecare Healthy Communities creates a platform for multiple agencies and government departments to work together to improve the long-term health and wellbeing of communities, creating communities where everyone can thrive.
The 19 Sláintecare Healthy Communities areas are all part of the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP). The Department of Health worked alongside the HSE Health Intelligence Unit, with their expertise in the development of Health Atlas Ireland, in choosing the communities. The 19 communities span 14 local authorities and are a mix of urban and rural areas.
The 19 communities are:
- Athlone and Mullingar (Westmeath)
- Athy (Kildare)
- Ballymun (Dublin)
- Bray (Wicklow)
- Cavan Town and County (Cavan)
- Cherry Orchard and Ballyfermot (Dublin)
- Clondalkin (Dublin)
- Clonmel (Tipperary)
- Enniscorthy and Wexford Town (Wexford)
- Finglas and Cabra (Dublin)
- Gaeltacht (Donegal)
- Inishowen (Donegal)
- Kilmore and Priorswood (Dublin)
- Limerick City (Limerick)
- Longford Town (Longford)
- North Cork City (Cork)
- Tallaght (Dublin)
- Waterford City (Waterford)
- West Mayo (Mayo)
