Check out these resources that can inform progress toward health equity!

For blog use only. sl 12-16-2022

 

We all want everyone to have a real opportunity to be healthy and thrive but persistent barriers make it especially difficult for people who experience racism and other forms of discrimination to do so. Removing those barriers is one of the great challenges of our time, and it will require powerful, highly effective tools, approaches, and strategies.

That’s why we’re sharing resources designed to help you advance health equity in your community, so together we can shape a healthier, more equitable, and just future.

1.    Use these research-based tips for communicating effectively about health equity.

Talking persuasively about health equity and structural racism in health is essential to making progress. RWJF has commissioned extensive public opinion research and used it to produce a structural racism and health messaging guide that offers powerful messages, metaphors, and visual cues to communicate about the connection between racism and health. Check out the guide, a video, and series of graphics to shape and support your communications on these vitally important issues.

2.    Share this graphic on equity!

Given how people consume information in our fast-paced world, we recognize the power of a strong visual to inspire and educate. That’s why we’ve updated our popular “equity graphic” to help people understand the difference between equality and equity.

We surveyed readers of RWJF’s weekly newsletter, Advances, to inform the new image. Many respondents shared how useful the original visual was, but also offered suggestions to improve it.

We prioritized developing a clear graphic that was accessible and could be featured on the web, in social media, and in presentations. Our goal was to make it simple enough for a wide array of audiences to use and understand. We hope you find it thought-provoking and useful!

3.    Delve into these captivating books by our staff, grantees, and partners.

Several of our colleagues have authored or contributed to books that mix personal stories, on-the-ground experiences, and insightful ideas to remind us of the opportunity to make a difference in our mission to advance health equity.

From the deeply personal memoir, The Beautiful Darkness: A Handbook for Orphans by RWJF senior communications officer Joshunda Sanders, to the thought-provoking The Contagion Next Time by Boston University School of Public Health Dean Sandro Galea, to the children’s books, Black Girl Shining and Black Boy Shining by researcher, educator, and advocate Rhonda Tsoi-A-Fatt Bryant, these bold voices offer moving, memorable, empowering perspectives on advancing racial justice and improving health. 

4. Explore rigorous, nonpartisan data on health, education, poverty and more by congressional district. 

Understanding the health of people in a congressional district is key to developing policies that will improve it. The Congressional District Health Dashboard, a first-of-its-kind online tool developed by NYU Grossman School of Medicine in partnership with RWJF, incorporates 36 key measures of health and conditions that affect it. Its rigorous, actionable information helps policymakers and advocates advance evidence-based solutions that improve the health and wellbeing of the people they serve

Explore more research, resources, and perspectives this year and learn about new grant opportunities! SIGN UP for the Advances newsletter.

 

About the Author

Najaf Ahmad, senior managing editor, highlights stories and perspectives on how the Foundation is advancing health equity in communities across the nation.