Our Vision |

When we work together to create opportunities that improve health equity for everyone, we’re building a Culture of Health.

A diverse group of adults pose for a photo before exercising.

What do we mean by a Culture of Health?

In partnership with others, we work to develop a Culture of Health rooted in equity that provides every individual with a fair and just opportunity to thrive, no matter who they are, where they live, or how much money they have.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Focus Areas

To advance health equity, we invest in four broad areas:

EXPLORE EACH AREA

Health Systems

Bringing key health systems together around a shared goal of better health for all
Healthy Children and Families

Supporting research and programs that expand our understanding of growing up healthy
Healthy Communities

Supporting initiatives that help communities reach their greatest health potential
Leadership for Better Health

Helping leaders address health challenges across the nation

Four adults look at a notebook during a conference.

How We Work

With our partners, we promote policies, practices, and system change to amplify unheard voices, shift the national conversation about health and wellbeing, and dismantle structural barriers to equity. Learn more about our approach, strategic vision, and equity-building efforts.

How We Work

Two construction workers build a wooden frame.

Measuring Our Progress

By continually collecting and reviewing data, we learn whether we are making the right investments and help communities understand what drives their successes and where they need to target further efforts.

WHAT WE’VE LEARNED

The station in downtown Rocky Mount serves Amtrak lines as well as CSX. The tracks separate Edgecombe and Nash counties along historically racial lines. The county line was moved from the Tar River to the railroad tracks in 1871 roughly when when the region’s tobacco, cotton, and naval stores began to ship by railroad instead of the river. Rocky Mount, NC. September 23, 2021 (Photo by Samantha Appleton)

In the face of historical challenges, the people of Rocky Mount, N.C., are embarking on a journey to address structural racism and racial equity as key drivers of health. This rural town of 54,000 is working to make the city’s power structure more inclusive, encourage collaboration between generations and racial groups, and address the root causes of racism. Residents are taking an expansive view of health and fostering connections around such critical issues as affordable housing, workforce development and wealth building, and access to healthy foods.

Rocky Mount, North Carolina

In Rocky Mount, N.C., leaders of all ages have started on a journey to reverse generations of disinvestment and structural racism by expanding economic opportunity, building community wealth, and increasing access to affordable housing.

3-min read