What would you do if you could live 8 years longer?

The approximately 4 mile drive from the intersection of 82^nd and I69 to the intersection of 56^th and I465 takes one from the 46256 to the 46226 zip code. Unfortunately, this short 4 mile drive results in an average 8 year lower life expectancy between zip codes. Where one lives should not predict how long they live. The IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health at IUPUI has found that 3 of 4 Lawrence zip codes have life expectancies have lower than then the US national average of 78.6 years and IN state average of 76.8 years as show in the image below¹.

References:

1. Weathers TD, 1 Kiehl NT, 1 Colbert J, 2 Nowlin M, 2 Comer K, 2 Staten LK. 1 Worlds Further Apart: The Widening Gap in Life Expectancy among Communities of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Area. August 2021.

A Letter from the Chief Medical Officer

Health isn’t just about doctor visits—it’s about the daily choices we make, the environment we live in, and the support we receive. That’s why I am honored to lead Live Longer in Lawrence, a citywide effort to improve health outcomes for all residents.

Through this initiative, we are tackling key challenges, from preventing chronic diseases to expanding access to mental health care. We’re working to integrate health into all aspects of city life—because transportation, housing, and even community events all play a role in our well-being.

Our approach is simple: empower residents with the knowledge, resources, and opportunities they need to take charge of their health. Whether it’s through free health screenings, fitness programs, or mental health support, we are committed to making wellness accessible for everyone in Lawrence.

I invite you to join us. Attend a health fair, take advantage of our new resources, and be a part of a movement that’s transforming Lawrence into a model for community well-being. Together, we can create a healthier, stronger city for generations to come.

Dr. John Kunzer

Chief Medical Officer, City of Lawrence