Informing Change

Amid the swirling uncertainty across our government, brazen assaults on health and wellbeing, and pervasive untruths permeating across our nation, RWJF cannot and will not abandon our mandate. We recommit ourselves to creating a future where health is no longer a privilege but a right. We recommit to joining you in paving a path to that shared future—no matter how difficult the times. And we rededicate ourselves to taking bold leaps even in the face of hostility and obstruction. Read more from RWJF President and CEO Rich Besser.

Our Senior Associate Omar Alcover Firpi, PhD, alongside Meghan Hunt of Engage R+D; Angel Villalobos, Nancy Vang, and Neda Moussapour of Expanding the Bench, and Maryam Khojasteh of RWJF, reflect on how and why relationships and collaboration are at the heart of equitable approaches to evaluation and learning: https://lnkd.in/gK8MwtPZ

Our Place, With You ----- Beloved community:? We are living in heavy times. Our staff and their families have come through the Southern California wildfires okay, but as we witnessed this disaster and others, we have ached for our neighbors, communities and country. Let's call it like it is: things are not okay in our country right now. Looking across our own networks, families, and communities, we see vital institutions coming under attack. We see organizations focused on core principles like equity, justice, and fairness forced to suspend their work. We see immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities impacted as their identity, families, and livelihoods are threatened. In response, we reaffirm our belief in the importance of a multicultural, multiracial workforce. We find strength and wisdom in those advocating for basic human rights. We stand in solidarity with the movement of people and organizations committed to an equitable society vibrant with multiple identities and embracing different lived experiences. Embracing these commitments isn’t just the right thing to do; in practice, they make the work we do better. Beyond that, it’s also the world we want to live in, the kind of world that we find joy in.? In short, we stand together with you. In our solidarity, we can resist fear and continue to pursue a just world that prioritizes humanity and empathy.?

??? Black History Month isn’t just about reflection—it’s about resistance. As we honor the legacy of Black leaders who fought for justice, we also recognize the urgent need to defend that progress. Today, we’re witnessing attempts to erase racial justice from policies, education, and government agencies—threatening the very history and equity we fight for. Housing justice is racial justice. From redlining to displacement, racist policies have shaped our housing system. That’s why we must continue working toward solutions that center Black leadership, community power, and equitable investment. This month, let’s not just celebrate history—let’s take action to ensure it isn’t rewritten. #BlackHistoryMonth #HousingJustice

Executive orders that roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, reverse course on the nation’s necessary journey toward a more just and equitable future. "Diversity, equity, and inclusion programs improve health and expand opportunity for all," says RWJF President and CEO Rich Besser. “They should be sources of pride, not targets for elimination.” Together with our partners and grantees, RWJF is determined to continue our contributions to this vital work. Learn more about our DEI priorities: ? Why Diversifying the Health Professions Matters for Everyone, authored by Lauren Smith >>> https://rwjf.ws/KucWsI ? Race-Conscious Policymaking: A Key Way Forward for Health Equity, a Q&A between Giridhar Mallya and Dariely Rodriguez >>> https://rwjf.ws/4eJDvdt

The history of #PublicHealth intersects with #BlackHistory. Throughout that history, many Black public health professionals have left an indelible mark moving the science of public health forward. Those positive impacts are continually being made each and every day.

Ringing in the Year of the Wood Snake! Happy Lunar New Year to all who celebrate.

This statement from Dr. Richard Besser was read in its entirety at our weekly staff meeting this morning. We were heartened by Dr. Besser's words and appreciate RWJF for unequivocally using its platform and voice to reaffirm its ongoing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

Last year, the Community Planning Collaborative commissioned us to evaluate the Regional Housing Technical Assistance (RHTA) program established by the Association of Bay Area Governmets, and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. The report summarizing our findings is now available on our website. We found that the RHTA Program has situated ABAG/MTC as a trusted regional partner in #housing. Thanks to their initial efforts and investments, ABAG/MTC is positioned to continue providing relevant technical assistance, building a portfolio of tools that meet jurisdictions’ individual needs, and keeping the Bay Area working together: https://lnkd.in/gY9_Rt6Y

Diversity, equity, and inclusion programs improve health and expand opportunities for all in America. They should be sources of pride, not targets for elimination. At RWJF, we will continue to defend and advance fundamental American values of diversity, equity, and inclusion with the urgency this moment requires. This includes steps such as?increasing?our investments in efforts to diversify the healthcare professions, as well as?supporting?legal, communications, and organizing efforts alongside leaders in the field. These actions will improve the health of us all.? ? Read the full statement from Foundation President and CEO Rich Besser condemning executive orders backsliding on DEI and health.