A diverse group of adults participate in a fitness class.

HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

Factors such as our race, ethnicity and health disparity status should not play a role in how healthy we are or how long we live. Unfortunately, for many of us, they do. RWJF is working to expose and combat structural racism, which is often at the core of health disparities throughout the U.S. because everyone deserves an equal opportunity to live their healthiest life possible.

We support a range of programs that help identify and address the root causes of America's health inequality—because everyone deserves an equal opportunity to pursue a healthier life.

Related News and Insights

Read expert perspectives and the latest research from RWJF to explore the opportunities and complexities of this topic.

Blog Post
People marching against hospital segragation.

Three Lessons for Advancing Equity in Challenging Times

We must preserve the progress those before us achieved and stand firm in our belief that health should not be a privilege for some, but a right for all.

5-min read

Healthcare Coverage and Access Policy and Law Structural Racism
Regulatory Comments
RWJF Comments on Proposed Changes to ACA Marketplace Rules page share image.

Comments from Richard Besser, MD, on Proposed Changes to Affordable Care Act Marketplace Rules

RWJF submitted comments in response to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)’ Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed rule, Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Marketplace Integrity and Affordability.

28-min read

Healthcare Coverage and Access Policy and Law Gender Equality
Blog Post
Wisdom Council Headshot graphic.

The Road to Health Equity and Justice is Hard, Worth It, and Best Traversed Together

We have sometimes acted in ways that deepened the very inequities that we seek to undo. But we are listening, learning, and embracing new ways to do better.

6-min read

Health Disparities Structural Racism
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Featured Initiatives

RWJF funds many initiatives to create opportunities that improve health equity. For this focus area, these initiatives were selected to demonstrate grantmaking that is helping us achieve the greatest impact. 

A toddler playing in a playground.

County Health Rankings and Roadmaps

This program highlights the many social and economic factors that influence health, shows how health is influenced by where we live, and offers tools to understand the data and strategies that communities can use to move from education to action.

A teacher leads an exercise class for young children.

Culture of Health Leaders

Culture of Health Leaders supports innovators and change-makers across all sectors to address health equity and move communities and organizations toward a Culture of Health.

A mother and her two daughters sitting on steps.

The Opportunity Atlas

The Opportunity Atlas traces 20 million people across America—from childhood to their mid-30s—in order to show where and for whom opportunity is lacking.