People Power Health

Our friends at Well-being and Equity (WE) in the World are offering an incredible opportunity for aspiring healthcare organizations, patient and community leaders! Just Leaders for a Justice Health System (JUSTICE SQUARED) is a groundbreaking initiative from Well-being and Equity (WE) in the World , supported by Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF). Justice Squared invites healthcare organizations and patient and community leaders to engage in a trustworthy, humble, and courageous journey to confront structural racism in healthcare together by: ?Sharing power and accountability for meaningful impact. ?Going on a guided journey to change systems. ?Building lasting change through trustworthy relationships rooted in love and justice. Is your healthcare organization ready to create real system change in partnership with communities to address structural racism? Justice Squared is looking for up to 12 leadership teams from diverse healthcare organizations and communities with five or more years of experience addressing health equity with a focus on racism. Selected teams will receive a grant across healthcare and community of $300,000 ($400,000 for safety net institutions) over two years to engage in this journey. Learn more and apply now at:? https://lnkd.in/dmWNEBis ? Applications close?January 15, 2025! #HealthEquity #JUSTICESQUARED #CommunityHealth #SystemChange #RacialEquity #HealthcareInnovation #LeadershipOpportunity #WEintheWorld #RWJF #HealthJustice #SDoH?

One of the most crucial elements that separates effective public health communication from merely sharing information is trust. When we combine trust with efforts to create connections and break down barriers, we take a significant step toward creating systems that truly serve communities. During health crises like pandemics, clear communication can mean the difference between fear and informed action. Yet, our current systems often fall short, leaving gaps that misinformation quickly fills. ?? What if we reimagined public health communication as a system designed to: Reach entire communities efficiently and effectively. Provide information in ways that are understandable and accessible. Build trust through shared stories, transparency and relatability. The goal is simple but vital: ensure every individual, no matter their circumstances, has the knowledge they need to make informed health decisions. How can you contribute to a more connected, informed public health system? #PublicHealth #HealthEquity #ClearCommunication #HealthInnovation #CommunityCare

In today’s world, where information spreads faster than ever, trusted healthcare voices are more crucial than we realize. In a recent conversation, Ilan Shapiro MD MBA FAAP FACHE highlighted the pivotal role doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers play in bridging the gap between communities and reliable health information. This isn’t just about having the facts. Communities often face barriers like language differences, time constraints, and balancing work and family. Trusted healthcare providers who take the time to explain complex health issues in relatable ways are essential for breaking through these barriers. Dr. Shapiro reminds us that when healthcare professionals step forward to educate and engage, they empower communities to make informed decisions about their health. This trust doesn’t just lead to better outcomes—it builds lasting connections that can transform public health at its core. ?? Here’s how trusted voices can make a difference: 1. Combat misinformation: Clear communication ensures communities are equipped with accurate information. 2. Build trust: Providers who reflect their community’s language and culture create connections that foster confidence. 3. Simplify complexity: Making health topics relatable helps people understand and act on what matters most. ??? The message is clear: when trusted healthcare voices speak, communities listen—and lives are changed. How can we amplify these voices to reach the people who need them most? #TrustedVoices #HealthEquity #PublicHealth #CommunityCare #HealthAdvocacy

Did you know that only 20% of a person’s health is impacted by what happens in the clinic? The other 80% is shaped by social determinants—things like access to clean water, nutritious food, stable housing, and a safe environment. For many migrant families, these essentials are out of reach. Constant movement, language barriers, fear of deportation, and lack of resources create significant health challenges. Healthcare professionals have a responsibility to advocate for equitable access to these basic needs, because true health equity means addressing the broader systems that impact well-being. Listen in to hear what our Samuel Gonzalez said about this topic. #HealthEquity #SocialDeterminantsOfHealth #CommunityCare #PublicHealth

What if the biggest health challenges in your community couldn’t be solved with medicine alone? True healthcare goes beyond the clinic walls and it involves addressing the social and environmental factors that shape health outcomes—like access to clean air, safe housing, and education. That’s why it’s important to note that civic engagement plays a vital role in addressing these social factors. ?? Civic engagement can mean bringing together community leaders, inspiring dialogue, and empowering individuals to advocate for changes that improve public health. It’s about working collaboratively to remove barriers and create opportunities for everyone. When healthcare professionals engage with their communities beyond the clinic walls, they build trust, foster connection, and help drive meaningful change. What steps can you take to build stronger, healthier communities? #CivicEngagement #HealthEquity #CommunityCare #PublicHealth #Collaboration

How do you educate an entire community with limited time and resources? Ilan Shapiro MD MBA FAAP FACHE faced this challenge during the H1N1 and COVID-19 pandemics, realizing that traditional one-on-one patient communication couldn’t scale to the level needed. ?? “I did the math: seeing 30 patients a day, seven days a week, would take me 150 years to reach everyone I needed to.” So, what’s the solution? Mass communication. By translating complex health information into accessible messages, he ensured that underserved communities—often left without timely, relevant information—could make informed decisions. His efforts not only combated misinformation, but also prompted important conversations within families. Clear, accessible public health communication is vital. It’s not just about delivering information—it’s about ensuring everyone has the tools to protect their health. ?? To listen to the entire conversation with Dr. Shapiro, subscribe to our newsletter: https://lnkd.in/d-a9BfRc #PublicHealth #HealthEducation #MassCommunication #HealthEquity #CommunityCare

Social media isn’t just about likes and trends—it’s a tool for real-world change. ?? Platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook are helping advocates tackle misinformation, share life-saving information, and amplify the voices of underrepresented communities. ?? But here’s the question: How do you move beyond just “viral” to creating actionable impact in the real world? ?? What’s the difference between social media celebrities and advocates who create meaningful traction with their campaigns? ?? How can you make your posts actionable, engaging, and impactful? Take notes from leaders like Nisha Mehta, MD, whose Facebook group, Physician Side Gigs, became a powerful hub during the COVID-19 era. By inspiring community discussions, knowledge sharing and driving advocacy for better healthcare worker policies, she’s shown how social media can bridge the gap between online presence and real-world change. ? Here’s how to start creating actionable posts: 1?? Focus on specific calls to action—encourage followers to engage offline by attending events, signing petitions, or contacting policymakers. 2?? Use stories to inspire and connect emotionally, making your message relatable and memorable. 3?? Build trust by providing credible resources and collaborating with experts in your field. Social media has the power to bridge gaps in access, trust, and understanding—but only when we use it with purpose. ?? How are you using social media to create change? #SocialMediaForGood #HealthAdvocacy #ActionableChange #BetterHealthcarePolicy

Dr. Lisa Patel, MD, MESc, a pediatrician and Executive Director of the Consortium, has launched a new podcast tackling one of the most pressing issues of our time: climate change and its impact on health. In the latest episode of the Healthy Climate America, Dr. Patel explores the growing health risks of extreme heat and the alarming reality of how extreme heat impacts workers in both indoor and outdoor settings. ?? This powerful episode sheds light on a pressing public health issue, while offering hope through solutions rooted in advocacy, policy, and community action. Whether you're a health advocate, policymaker, or simply passionate about a more equitable future, this episode is a must-listen. ?? Tune in to the latest episode today and join Dr. Patel as she inspires action for a healthier, sustainable future: https://lnkd.in/dtwADhET #Advocacy #ClimateHealth #PodcastRecommendation

How do we fight misinformation in public health? Our Pedja Stojicic, MD, MPH reminds us that the key isn’t just more facts—it’s better stories. ?? Instead of flooding people with data, we need to craft alternative narratives that: ? Provide meaning and connection ? Create a sense of agency ? Inspire belonging and action The power of a story lies in its impact, not just its facts. To counter false narratives, we must offer stories that empower people to make informed and positive choices. #PublicHealth #Narratives #Misinformation #Storytelling #HealthEquity

How can we increase vaccine uptake through the power of community? To answer this question, we’re excited to spotlight the impactful results of the Advanced Community Activation Training (ACAT)! From May to September 2024, ten healthcare teams from nine countries came together to improve immunization access through storytelling and relationship-building. This was the fourth edition of the ACAT program, created with the Sabin Vaccine Institute's Boost Community. This year, ACAT expanded to offer training in both English and French, empowering teams in Burkina Faso, C?te d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Guinea, India, Madagascar, Niger, Nigeria, and Pakistan to lead change in their communities. Each team brought a unique approach to their capstone projects, focusing on themes like: Storytelling to address vaccine hesitancy Relationship-building with community leaders to foster trust Improving skills in these areas Notable efforts included Team Nigeria’s focus on managing misinformation, Team Pakistan’s slogan “Kids are yours; care is ours,” and Team India’s strategy discussions with both new and experienced professionals. The power of ACAT’s community-driven model enables healthcare teams to exchange insights and adapt strategies to meet local challenges. We are looking forward to many more exciting programs like this! Learn more about the program here: https://lnkd.in/d3FWzKCe #Advocacy #CommunityHealth #Healthcare #CommunityOrganizing