RWJF

Just Leaders for a Just Health System (JUSTICE SQUARED), a new initiative led by Well-being and Equity (WE) in the World with support from RWJF, is accepting proposals. This two-year program invites healthcare organizations and community leaders to collaborate in confronting structural racism in healthcare. Selected teams will receive hands-on guidance from experts in racial justice and system change as they work together to make organizational policies and practices more equitable. If you and your organization are ready to take bold, courageous action toward shaping a more just and equitable healthcare system, learn more and apply today. #HealthEquity #StructuralRacism #HealthcareTransformation #CallForProposals #RWJF #healthcare

What does it look like to strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion in the healthcare workforce? Many resolute leaders working to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are doing so in challenging circumstances. Now, more than ever, we need to ensure efforts that increase the diversity within public health and the healthcare workforce are supported and invested in over the long-term. RWJF is deepening our commitment to DEI, increasing our investments toward a more diverse healthcare workforce by 60 percent over the next three years. Recognizing organizations may be wrestling with where to go from here, we convened a discussion with a brilliant group of leaders. These leaders have combined resources and ideas to address institutional changes to dismantle racism in academic admissions and health professional training. Thanks to Dr. Leon McCrea, Dr. Horace DeLisser, Dr. Juliana Mosley-Williams, PhD, CDP (she/her), LaShauna Connell, M.S.Ed, Shuma Panse, Ayoola Carleton, and Lauren Smith for your unique contribution to not only this discussion but this work. Let us know in the comments if any of these insights resonate with you or your organization's approach to DEI. #HigherEd #Healthcare #HealthEquity #HealthcareLeadership #academia #DiversityInclusion

This election season ballot measures have proven themselves to be a powerful way for voters to make decisions to improve their health, from abortion rights to paid sick leave. We need to protect this vital form of direct democracy that gives voters a way to create meaningful change. That’s why RWJF will continue to work with our partners to help citizens make their voices heard through ballot measures.

We all want to access healthcare when we need it, feel seen and heard by our providers, and know that we can cover the bill. Yet discriminatory policies and practices place healthcare out of reach for some of us based on race, income, or geography. RWJF is working with partners to build a fair and just healthcare system that is accessible and affordable for all, a system that rectifies the harms it has caused in the past and prevents future harm by treating everyone with dignity and respect. We're grateful to partner with organizations that are building a healthcare system that serves all of us. From diversifying the health professions, to advocating for people in need of coverage, to providing safe birthing experiences for Black women, these partners are renewing hope in healthcare and working toward a future where health is no longer a privilege but a right. ?? Georgia Budget and Policy Institute amplifies the voices of people in Georgia living in the healthcare coverage gap. https://lnkd.in/eQRXruNZ ??The Indigenous Health, Education, and Resources Taskforce (IHEART) fosters Indigenous led, culturally responsive networks to address the scarcity of American Indian and Alaska Native communities in the health professions. https://lnkd.in/eYbUzpNN ??Ancient Song and Commonsense Childbirth Inc. works to ensure equitable maternal health care. https://rwjf.ws/e5vGLG ??Well-being and Equity (WE) in the World has launched Just Leaders for a Just Health System (JUSTICE SQUARED), which will take teams of healthcare organizations, patients, and community leaders on a guided journey to confront structural racism in healthcare together. https://lnkd.in/dmWNEBis To create a healthcare system free of barriers and inequities, it takes committed leaders within the system, sharing power with communities that have experienced these inequities firsthand. Visit our website to learn more about efforts to build a fair and just healthcare system. #healthcare #MaternalHealth #HealthEquity #DiversityAndInclusion

We reject the hate these racist messages represent and stand in solidarity with the NAACP rightfully condemning the harms of racist rhetoric.

Imagine a world where every pregnant person had access to maternal care that allowed them to have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. Midwife and founder of Commonsense Childbirth Inc. Jennie Joseph is making this a reality. Commonsense Childbirth provides dignified, supportive, and respectful care to all women throughout pregnancy and beyond. Joseph rejects any maternal health system that perpetuates disparities and disrespect and is among the many leaders of Black-led efforts to build a different one. Midwifery remains Joseph’s passion. “I do this work because I love it,” she says. “I don’t know how to do anything else. And I don’t want to do anything else.” ???? ?#BirthJustice?#InspiringStories?#Midwifery?#MaternalHealth

As a foundation focused on the health and wellbeing of our nation, RWJF has the privilege and mandate to remain determined in the face of heightened political uncertainty. We also understand this work is very personal for many and the stress of the moment can make us forget the values that unite us. ? We all have dreams for ourselves and our families, but we don’t yet all have the same opportunities to make those dreams come true. Our grantees tirelessly continue to remove barriers – including structural racism – to realize those dreams, day after day. The work of grantees pushing ahead in the face of withering attacks on pro-equity work, litigation, and other threats is inspiring. ? I also know that our inspiration must equal action. ? We reaffirm our commitment to health equity and working together with our grantees and others to tear down barriers to health and wellbeing. That includes bolstering our work around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, reproductive justice, and access to affordable healthcare that treats everyone with dignity. ? RWJF will vigorously work toward a better future for our children and grandchildren. And we will continue to channel energy, resources, and voice to working toward a future where health is no longer a privilege, but a right.

What type of leadership is needed to eliminate inequities in the systems that affect our health and wellbeing? Join us on November 12 from 2-3 p.m. ET for a conversation about what it looks like for leaders to drive systemic, transformational change and how we plan to support them. We will hear from special guest Karla Walker Executive Director of Community Solutions for Health Equity, who will offer insights into the leadership needed to address structural racism in the healthcare system and beyond. Register today: https://lnkd.in/evNYW9gC

One of the most powerful decisions I made as a physician had nothing to do with providing direct medical care. It was about advocating for a mother who was fighting to navigate unjust systems - economic, healthcare, and more - that were keeping her from being part of her daughter's care.?? ? Systems fail us. But systems are not machines. They are made up of people. They are made up of us. Together, we can create the systems we deserve. #systemschange #healthjustice

A decade ago, RWJF’s Commission to Build a Healthier America recommended aligning the work of the health and community development sectors.?At the time, I was working at a national community development organization that invested in affordable housing, early childhood centers, healthy food stores, cultural institutions, and more – but hadn’t thought of itself as having a direct impact on health. I remember the aha! moment in the community development sector as we made the powerful connection between health and place. It was exciting for me to then come to RWJF - now?almost 8 years ago - as the Commission’s recommendations were being operationalized. Today, I have the privilege of working with many of the organizations who have been leaders in this collaborative work. Together we’re deepening our efforts and exploring new approaches to community development that address the impacts of structural racism and center residents in creating thriving communities. Over the last 10 years, our work and that of the field have evolved together. Learn more about where we’ve been and where we’re going here: https://lnkd.in/eufmbRHk.??