Vilanova i la Geltrú develops new community health strategy

The city of Vilanova i la Geltrú recently held its first Community Health Conference to discuss local health determinants and future challenges. The event brought together primary care professionals, representatives from the Penedès Health Region, and municipal leaders to review current health indicators and coordinate future community-based responses.

A recent health diagnosis conducted by the City Council serves as the foundation for the upcoming Local Health Plan (2027–2031). The findings highlight several key areas: while physical activity levels and the city’s diverse social network are significant strengths, there are notable challenges regarding alcohol consumption, smoking rates among adolescent girls, and increasing loneliness, particularly among the elderly.

Other identified issues include the need for improved public transport to reduce noise and air pollution caused by private vehicles. To address these, officials are looking toward transversal public policies and ‘social prescription’—utilizing the city’s associative fabric and social spaces as complementary treatments to traditional medicine to improve emotional well-being.