The Intersection

ICYMI: The latest The Intersection podcast ep. shares how organizations can measure the impact of their health equity partnerships and communicate wins with others. Tune in for tangible lessons from advocates in Houston, TX: https://bit.ly/412kCgK #HealthEquity #Collaboration?

Giridhar Mallya, Kathryn Haines, Denise Octavia Smith MBA, BS, CHW, PN, SFC, and Loren K. Robinson, MD MSHP FAAP explored current threats to anti-racist work and how to continue moving forward in this rapidly changing DEI landscape. Catch up on the conversation: https://bit.ly/3DCBxhc

Watch?Denise Octavia Smith MBA, BS, CHW, PN, SFC drop four thought provoking questions for equity leaders in the latest Intersection virtual event.?Couldn’t join??Watch the replay for this and other mic drops from Denise and her fellow panelists: https://bit.ly/41fm3ZD ? #HealthEquity #Collaboration

Looking for resources and a supportive network to lean on as your community or healthcare organization adapts to the evolving DEI landscape? Join The Intersection for a virtual discussion on Mar. 5 to learn why partnerships between community advocates and healthcare institutions are critical. Panelists will share tools to keep moving this work forward, and opportunities to uplift stories about positive health outcomes. REGISTER: https://bit.ly/41fm3ZD Speakers: Giridhar Mallya, Loren K. Robinson, MD MSHP FAAP, Denise Octavia Smith MBA, BS, CHW, PN, SFC, Kathryn Haines

In these challenging times, I continue to be encouraged by the wisdom of communities and movements that have always persisted with resilience, hope, and dignity.?? ? My annual Letter to the Field reflects this inspiration and how it informs the day-to-day actions my colleagues at RWJF are taking, alongside our many partners, to reaffirm diversity, equity and inclusion in service of health equity for all.?? ? As scary and unprecedented as these times may feel, America has been here before. People united in the pursuit of an America that works for everyone – the country we know we can be – have always pressed us forward. In the words of Kica Matos, president of the National Immigration Law Center, “We must not give up. Instead, it's crucial that we act with courage, organizing to protect the most vulnerable while building power for future change.” Click here to read the full letter: https://rwjf.ws/j7Zkup

Sharing successes and learning from each other can help us move toward a more equitable healthcare system. We'd love to hear examples of how your organization is strengthening its healthcare or community partnerships. Comment your response below. ? & visit The Intersection's website?for additional resources: https://bit.ly/43in9TN

LISTEN: Ben Danielson got real with us about what it means to be a person of color working in healthcare and tips for professionals looking to stay true to their identity as they advocate for equity in community and healthcare orgs: https://bit.ly/4cf9uPZ

Recent executive orders that roll back health measures and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts reverse course on the nation’s necessary journey toward a more just and equitable future. It is unconscionable that the Trump administration would coopt the language and vision of the civil rights movement in these executive orders as it attempts to send our nation back to an era of rampant, state-sanctioned discrimination. Ultimately, these measures drive us farther away from a future when health is no longer a privilege, but a right for all. Everyone wants healthcare rooted in compassion and respect. Research shows that greater diversity among doctors improves health outcomes for people of color, disabled people, women, LGBTQIA+ patients, and others whose identities have long been underrepresented in the healthcare field. Plus, strategies aimed at reducing racial disparities in healthcare—such as maternal health and cancer care—lead to better outcomes for all patients. The evidence is clear: a diverse healthcare workforce and inclusive policies serve us all. These executive orders serve no one. We believe that policies across all levels of government—especially from the White House—should build upon people’s aspirations for better, healthier lives. Instead of sowing division, discord, and fear, our leaders should be strengthening access to healthcare, protecting workers, and supporting families. 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. Our grantees and partners have for decades worked relentlessly to build a healthier, more equitable future for everyone.? In these days of backlash and backsliding, we at RWJF must match our commitment and resolve to transform health in our lifetime. We will.?

Where someone lives can impact their health and the resources they have access to. That’s what drives Melanie McGuire’s work. She has shared her story with The Intersection.? As Senior Director of Programs at Houston Food Bank, Melanie recognizes the importance of creating impact and sharing the successes of partnerships with local health systems. Listen for more: https://bit.ly/4cf9uPZ??