“It Takes a Village:” The Power of Community and Peer Support Networks in Advancing Public Health   

Updated on

Written by: Victoria Nemeth

Community & Our Health  

What does community mean to you? To me, community is about having people in your corner who celebrate your wins, special days, and new beginnings, and also (maybe even more significantly) those who show up for you when life’s inevitable challenges show up at your doorstep. We can find community in many different places including our neighborhoods, schools, places of worship, and workplaces. Regardless of where we find our community geographically, the connections and relationships formed within these environments are what make communities special. 

Moving beyond the idea that community is defined by our geography, community is about people. Communities are formed based on shared lived experiences (Chavis & Lee, 2015). Thus, our community can be defined by our life stages, gender, race and ethnicity, composed of co-workers, classmates, fellow fans of our favorite sports teams, or even others who frequent our favorite local businesses. Community is all around us, and community impacts our health.  

Health is not simply the absence of disease. Rather, our health is defined by our state of physical, mental, and social well-being (WHO, 2025). These aspects of one’s health are all impacted by the degree with which people are embedded in and supported by their communities.  

Communities generate social networks, which foster connection and create a sense of belonging and trust, leading to increased social cohesion and social capital, ultimately leading to healthier individuals, families, institutions, and communities. Social cohesion is defined as the strength of relationships and the sense of solidarity among members of a community (HHS, n.d.). Social capital, which is an indicator of social cohesion, refers to shared resources available to members of a community (Murayama et al., 2012). Social networks are common sources of social cohesion and social capital. Although there are instances where social networks can negatively impact health through the facilitation of negative health behaviors, social networks and support systems have also been shown to be a powerful protective factor to positively influence health and well-being, especially through peer support networks.  

Peer support networks are examples of social networks where people with shared experiences or challenges come together to provide mutual support, encouragement, and assistance (Change Mental Health, n.d.). Being surrounded by peers that understand shared experiences and challenges is incredibly empowering, comforting, and encouraging, and facilitates feelings of belonging, social connection, and support, which are positively associated with better physical, mental, and general health (Clark et al., 2024). Additionally, peer support networks leverage the power of community and facilitate connections that increase social cohesion and social capital in the community.  

Peer support initiatives are utilized in many different public health contexts such as:  

  • Chronic disease management 
    • Alzheimer’s Association’s Support Groups: The Alzheimer’s Association hosts several local-level support groups for those living with the disease and those who are caregivers for loved ones. 
    • American Heart Association: The American Heart Association offers a support network through an online community for those affected by cardiovascular conditions, patients and caregivers, to connect with one another, offer support and advice, and share stories. 
    • Multiple Sclerosis: The National MS Society offers various types of peer networks including online communities, support groups, and programs, including MSFriends, which connects people living with MS to volunteers, who offer one-on-one support via email or phone/video calls for up to six months. 
  • Maternal health 
  • Substance use 
    • MA Peer Recovery Support Centers are free peer-led spaces that provide individuals in recovery, as well as families and loved ones, opportunities to give and receive support in a welcoming environment. 
  • LGBTQ+ 
    • BAGLY is a youth-led organization that supports LGBTQ+ youth in Massachusetts by providing access to a supportive community, services, and resources.  

Personally, I have seen the benefits of peer support networks firsthand through my involvement with Camp Kesem, a non-profit organization that provides free summer camp and year-round support services to children impacted by a parent or caregiver’s cancer (Camp Kesem, 2023). Camp Kesem welcomes kids with open arms into a community of people who understand what one another is going through, without having to say a word. This quiet understanding of the common thread that brings everyone together for the week of summer camp provides a sense of belonging, empowerment, and resiliency in an otherwise isolating experience, ensuring that no child faces a parent’s cancer alone. Kesem’s supportive environment helps kids to connect with peers, process their experiences, and navigate the anxiety, isolation, and uncertainty that comes with parental cancer.  

Peer support networks, like those described above, have substantial impacts on participants including:  

  • Stronger emotional intelligence & enhanced coping skills: Peer support networks provide a safe and supportive environment that helps people feel comfortable with sharing their feelings and expressing themselves, which helps them learn communication skills and healthy ways of coping with their emotions (Kesem, n.d.).  
  • Improved mental and physical well-being wellbeing: Peer support networks help people feel seen and heard, increasing a sense of belonging, ultimately reducing feelings of anxiety, depression, and isolation. Additionally, social connection can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve healthy eating habits, physical activity, and quality of sleep (CDC, 2024). 
  • Increased self-confidence, self-esteem, and resilience: Peer support programs counter feelings of isolation by surrounding people with others who are going through similar challenges, providing a sense of community, which can be empowering and contribute to a deeper sense of self-esteem (Michalski et al., 2020).  

“It takes a village.”  

Community building is prevention. Community building promotes public health. Peer support networks offer public health professionals a unique opportunity to foster connection, support, and resiliency among participants. Whether it’s youth mental health, maternal health, or substance use, community is paramount to promoting positive public health outcomes. Peer support networks connect individuals with their “village” who provide support, understanding, and connection, meeting people where they are to ensure that they don’t feel alone when navigating various health challenges.  

Sources: