What is it and why do we need one? As the largest employers in their respective cities and major drivers of economic and urban development, hospitals, health systems and affiliated organizations can influence the non-clinical factors that impact health outcomes. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DISTRICT COLLABORATION? Better Healthcare For All It's all about health. Providers in the Baton Rouge Health District can leverage their unique capabilities to deliver high-quality healthcare in a way that is greater than the sum of their parts. As a unified medical community, the Health District provides a platform for community health initiatives and collaboration. Whether it's finding shared cost savings or supporting research, the Health District exists to maximize the positive impact of its member institutions. Sustainable Economic Development Thriving institutions translate into a healthy economy. The healthcare industry already drives job growth and real estate development across the city, parish and region. The Health District will give Baton Rouge an edge to compete with medical centers nationwide on destination healthcare. A Healthy Environment Imagine if the areas surrounding our hospitals reflected health: a place where it's easy to walk between medical offices, parks, restaurants, and shops, or to escape to a quiet, natural setting for some fresh air. By planning together, the Health District can create a more connected, cohesive community that supports healthy behaviors like walking and biking. The Health District enables coordination of land use and transportation investment decisions and proposes an invitation and connected public realm with safe streets and paths for pedestrian and bike activity.