Promoting Policy Tools That Advance Health and Racial Equity
Racial and health equity are not just moral imperatives, they are good for our economy, good for our communities, and good for our health.
RWJF is committed to promoting and protecting inclusive policymaking and ballot measure access—two tools of democracy that are critical to achieving a world where health is not a privilege for some but a right for all.
How Does RWJF Support Inclusive Policymaking?
Inclusive policymaking repairs the long-standing impacts of racism and other forms of discrimination, making health systems more effective and just for everyone. For example, providing doula support during pregnancy as a means of improving Black maternal health leads to lower C-section rates and less postpartum anxiety and depression for all pregnant patients. Yet such policies and practices are being challenged in courts and legislatures across the country. Through legal advocacy, storytelling, and cross-sector partnerships, RWJF is supporting our partners in defending inclusive policymaking, and building thriving communities where good health is within reach for everyone, no matter their race, gender, or zip code.
How Does RWJF Support Ballot Measure Access?
Ballot measures have been used across states to improve the lives of families and communities. In the past five years alone, ballot measures have been used to expand Medicaid, increase minimum wage, protect abortion access, and institute paid leave. While voters are approving important health-focused policies, efforts to restrict ballot measure access are increasing. To protect access to this crucial tool for advancing health and wellbeing, RWJF is supporting and convening national and state partners working on non-lobbying advocacy, organizing, public education, litigation, and research.
From the Blog
Why We Are Defending Policy Tools That Advance Equity
5-min read
Race-Conscious Policymaking: A Key Way Forward for Health Equity
5-min read
How the Ballot Measure Process Strengthens Democracy and Health Equity
5-min read
Partner Spotlight
Advancing racial and health equity policy together.
Race Forward
Supports communities and public institutions to achieve a just multiracial democratic society through governance that advances racial justice. They build power in communities most impacted by systemic racism, work with the government to transform institutions and sectors, and harness the power of narrative to transform culture.
The Ballot Initiative Strategy Center Foundation
Strengthens democracy and promotes civic education by ensuring the public is informed on the issues and role ballot measures play in civic engagement and building state-based power. They support advocates working toward social justice by deepening their understanding of the issue landscape and the principles of direct democracy.
Partner Resources
Created by our grantee partners to advance racial and health equity
Executive Order Response Center, Democracy Forward
Real-time updates on federal executive actions
Executive Orders & Public Health Practice: FAQs, Act for Public Health
FAQs to help understand executive orders, their application, and how public health practitioners might think about them
Explaining Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA), The Trump Administration’s Recent Actions on DEIA, and the Impact on Disabled Americans, American Association of People with Disabilities
An overview of recent actions on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility
Blocking Out the Noise, American Pride Rises
FAQs to navigate diversity, equity, and inclusion in the current environment
The U.S. Department of Education’s Anti-Opportunity “Dear Colleague Letter”, NAACP Legal Defense Fund
An overview of what schools, parents, and students need to know about the Department of Education’s “Dear Colleague Letter”
Advocacy and Action to Defend Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Across States, American Pride Rises
A tracker of diversity, equity, and inclusion legislation
American Pride Rises Talking Points on Making the Case for DEI, American Pride Rises
Messaging on why diversity, equity, and inclusion is essential
READI Transformative Actions to Advance Race-Explicit Grantmaking, ABFE
Smart, achievable, and replicable actions to help the philanthropic sector better withstand current and future threats to race-explicit grantmaking and racial equity
Related News and Insights
How Equity Strategies Can Make Healthcare Better for Everyone
Everyone wants high quality, respectful, and affordable healthcare. When doctors and hospitals seek to reduce racial disparities in health, they often fix persistent problems that affect all patients. This brief includes evidence and examples that demonstrate how equity strategies lead to better care for everyone.
Direct Democracy And Population Health: Making Health Policy Through State Ballot Initiatives
This brief offers a unique look at how ballot initiatives have played an important role in state-level discourse and policymaking related to health over the course of the past decade.