Zip codes are often used by demographers to determine access to quality education, jobs, safe neighborhoods and city services. Depending on the zip codes you live and work in, it will largely define your quality of life -- even so far as life expectancy according to some reports.

Health is also determined, in part, by the zip codes where you live and work. Disparities created by economic circumstances, environmental factors, employment, housing stock, education, availability of healthy foods, indoor and outdoor activities, and access to quality care moves the needle toward better health or failing health. 

There is a myriad of research and articles on this topic. Even professional athletes have seen the zip code impact first-hand. Former NBA player and University of Michigan Basketball star Jalen Rose penned an article, "When a zip code determines a child's future."

Rose talks in terms of changing education within a zip code through leadership and partnership. The same can be done for health disparities.

The Greater Detroit Area Health Council [GDAHC] is partnering with funders, health care organizations, businesses and community groups to reduce disparities. Our vision -- healthy people, healthy economy -- is not more evident when health is shown more and more as a driver to community prosperity.