My City My Health: Community with a Mission

My City My Health: Community with a Mission

Founded in 2021, My City My Health (MCMH) is more than just a healthcare conference—a movement dedicated to reshaping how we approach health equity within our communities. The initiative, launched by Corey Dion Lewis, was inspired by the success of his podcast, The Healthy Project, and personal experiences advocating for his mother through various healthcare challenges. Today, MCMH serves as a platform to foster conversations about community-driven health solutions and highlight the social determinants of health that impact under-resourced populations.

The Genesis of a Movement

My City My Health was born from a pivotal conversation between Corey and co-founder, Larry Twitty Jr. Following the rising popularity of The Healthy Project, Corey was searching for the next step in his advocacy for health equity. When Larry suggested, "Bro, the Healthy Project conference," the idea clicked, though Corey wanted to do more than just another event.

It wasn’t until Corey worked with a Latina woman managing pre-diabetes that the core of MCMH came to life. In a session, she confided in Corey about her husband’s job loss and inability to pay rent. Corey connected her with a rent assistance program, and the visible relief she felt was a profound moment for him. At that moment, Corey realized that healthcare isn’t an isolated journey but a community effort.

This experience cemented the name My City My Health, an embodiment of the belief that health solutions must be rooted in the community to be truly effective. As Corey says, “My city, my health isn’t selfish—it’s community. It’s a community with a mission. When we come together in community, we can do great things.”

The Power of Community

In its third year, MCMH has grown from a simple idea to a pivotal event in Des Moines, Iowa. The conference is about creating actionable steps to improve community health. Each year has seen increasing participation and success, with panels that bring together diverse voices from healthcare professionals to community leaders.

The panels address a wide range of issues this year, including immigrant health, Black maternal health, inclusive healthcare, and mental health, all while focusing on how companies and organizations can support health equity in the workplace. These discussions lead to real, tangible changes within the community.

Corey and Larry’s approach is unique. While conferences around health equity have been done before, the MCMH platform brings a distinct local focus with a national vision. Corey says, "We plan to move this city forward in a way that hasn’t been done like this. I am excited for the panels we have this year and how we’re going to shake up our community. It’s going to be awesome."

Beyond the Conference

MCMH isn’t limited to being an annual conference. Corey and his team have bigger ambitions. The event serves as the centerpiece of a larger movement to address health disparities in real-time throughout the year. Corey envisions MCMH becoming a national model for how communities across the country can take control of their health by building a stronger community-healthcare relationship.

This movement continues to evolve, with plans to launch initiatives that engage the community year-round and offer resources to those who need them most. We believe that through this work, MCMH can achieve sustained impact, not only improving individual health outcomes but also strengthening the social fabric that makes these changes possible.

What Sets MCMH Apart

One of the defining characteristics of MCMH is its commitment to inclusivity. The event strives to create spaces for diverse voices, particularly from historically marginalized communities. Whether it’s the panel on Black maternal health or the discussion about immigrant healthcare, MCMH approaches each topic with the understanding that health equity can’t be achieved without acknowledging and addressing the unique challenges different groups face.

“My city, my health means embracing the diverse experiences of our community,” Corey explains. “It means ensuring that everyone has a seat at the table when we talk about healthcare solutions.”

Moving Forward

As MCMH enters its third year, there is excitement about the future of MCMH. With plans to expand the reach of the event beyond Des Moines and to continue engaging with national conversations around health equity, the movement is only just beginning. MCMH will continue to provide a platform for dialogue and a roadmap for action—ensuring that the health of the city is truly in the hands of its community.

Passion for this project is clear. Lived experiences have shaped the understanding of how vital community is in healthcare, and through My City My Health, they are sharing that insight with the world. As they continue to lead the charge for health equity, the future looks bright—not just for Des Moines, but for all the cities that will follow in the footsteps of this transformative movement.

For more information, visit MyCity.Health and join the conversation about how communities can create lasting change in healthcare.

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