Quality of Life:  

Sub-Committee Board-Members: Jamie Rouff, Rhonda Groeschen,  Amber Kassem, Don Johnson, Sheila Rosenthal 

The EPHIA Quality of Life (QOL) Committee is dedicated to advancing the health, well-being, dignity, and overall quality of life of all individuals and families by addressing the full range of social, economic, environmental, and health determinants that influence human flourishing.  There are 7 academic facets of Quality of Life.

The Committee recognizes that quality of life extends beyond the absence of disease and encompasses every facet of living, including physical health, mental health, education, housing, economic stability, safety, environmental conditions, social connectedness, and equitable access to opportunities.

The Committee promotes a comprehensive and human-centered approach that acknowledges health as a fundamental human right and advocates for systems, policies, and community initiatives that ensure every person has the opportunity to achieve their highest possible level of well-being. Central to this mission is the understanding that health outcomes are directly influenced by the conditions in which people are born, grow, learn, work, live, and age.

The EPHIA QOL Committee champions:

• Equitable access to quality healthcare, including preventive, primary, specialty, and emergency services. M Proper continuums of care, not just services that exploit people under the "veneer of care.". Mental and behavioral health services that are accessible, affordable, culturally responsive, and free from stigma that promote positive outcomes and graduation.

• Educational and workforce opportunities that empower individuals and families through lifelong learning, literacy, workforce development, and personal growth. Individuals should have the opportunity to fully participate in the economy through meaningful employment, entrepreneurship, and access to economic resources, while maintaining the dignity, self-determination, and freedom to make informed choices about their lives, health, education, housing, and future according to their own goals and aspirations.

• Health equity and social justice, ensuring that no individual is disadvantaged because of race, ethnicity, disability, age, gender, economic status, housing status, religion, creed, or other social circumstances.

• Safe, affordable, and quality housing fit for human habitation, recognizing housing as a critical determinant of health and community stability.

• Economic opportunity and self-sufficiency, including access to employment, fair wages, and resources necessary for financial security.

• Personal dignity, self-esteem, and social inclusion, fostering environments where individuals are valued, respected, and empowered to participate fully in society.

• Healthy and safe communities, including access to nutritious food, clean air and water, transportation, recreation, and supportive social networks.

The Committee affirms that every person deserves the right to live with dignity, security, and hope, regardless of their creed, religion, housing status, economic circumstances, race, ethnicity, disability, or other personal characteristics. Through advocacy, collaboration, education, and community engagement, the EPHIA QOL Committee works to identify barriers to well-being and advance solutions that create healthier, more equitable, and thriving communities for all.

Guiding Principle:
"Quality of life is achieved when every person has equitable access to the resources, opportunities, supports, and conditions necessary to attain health, education, self-esteem, safe housing, economic stability, and overall well-being throughout all stages of life."