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LEADERSHIP FOR BETTER HEALTH

In communities around the nation, RWJF is working to develop leaders from different backgrounds and disciplines. We position them at the forefront of evidence and research and help them become key ambassadors for health and drivers of change.

 

Investing in Leadership that Addresses Structural Racism 

All social change requires leadership. That’s why the Leadership for Better Health (LBH) team is cultivating and connecting change leaders across the nation who are working individually and collectively toward a society in which health is no longer a privilege, but a right. 

As RWJF tackles structural racism as a barrier to health, LBH is evolving to invest in the leadership of people and organizations who are deeply committed to structural change and the long-term work of dismantling structural racism. These leaders come from varying backgrounds. Some hold formal titles, while others exercise informal influence. Some bring the wisdom of lived experience and others technical expertise. Working in a variety of fields from healthcare to social justice to academia, these leaders all share one vision: to dismantle structural racism in their institutions, sectors, and systems.  

Leadership to Address Structural Racism

Learn more about LBH's new direction during a three-part webinar series.

Leadership for Uncertain Times

Collective leadership has led to stronger leaders, deeper equity, and more effective organizations addressing structural racism and advancing health equity.

RWJF and The New School explored approaches to building organizations where leadership is shared broadly to drive systemic change. They focused on more collective forms of leadership, decisionmaking, and responsibility.

Watch the webinar recording

Vision Forward: Investing in Leadership for Systems Change

RWJF is investing in the leadership of people who are deeply committed to the long-term work of antiracism. That work requires a priority focus on systemic, transformational change and leadership that centers relationships and accountability.

IRWJF and Community Solutions for Health Equity offered insights into the leadership needed to address structural racism in the healthcare system and beyond.

Watch the webinar recording

Increasing Diversity in the Health Professions

Diversity in healthcare is essential for achieving health equity, as it brings the talents, wisdom, and lived experiences of historically marginalized people into the work of transforming the healthcare systems that have often provided inequitable treatment to their communities.

RWJF and the Consortium of DEI for Health Educators shared tangible ways leaders can work across academia and healthcare to diversify the healthcare workforce.

Watch the webinar recording

Related News and Insights

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

A group of diverse coworkers meeting.

Blog Post

Why Diversifying the Health Professions Matters for Everyone

We are committed to fostering a diverse workforce so every person, regardless of who they are or where they come from, can access the care they deserve to live a healthier life.

6-min read

Health Leadership Development Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Structural Racism
Blog Post

How Shifting Power in Research Leads to Better Solutions

When people who face inequities participate in the research process, they create solutions that drive lasting change. Learn how RWJF is supporting this work—and apply for a funding opportunity.

4-min read

Health Leadership Development Community Power
Brief

State Strategies to Compensate Beneficiary Advisory Council Members

This issue brief offers considerations for determining how to fairly compensate BAC members for their time without adversely affecting their eligibility for Medicaid.

2-min read

Healthcare Coverage and Access Policy and Law
Blog Post

Why Diversifying the Health Professions Matters for Everyone

We are committed to fostering a diverse workforce so every person, regardless of who they are or where they come from, can access the care they deserve to live a healthier life.

6-min read

Health Leadership Development Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Structural Racism
View All

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.  

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Culture of Health Leadership Institute for Racial Healing

Culture of Health Leadership Institute for Racial Healing is a leadership experience that helps practitioners strengthen their skills in advancing racial and health equity using the Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation (TRHT) framework.

Young adults participating in a community youth group meeting.

Health Policy Research Scholars

Health Policy Research Scholars invests in scholars from historically marginalized backgrounds who can help shape policy to advance health and equity through research and leadership.

Community leaders touring parts of a city.

Interdisciplinary Research Leaders

Interdisciplinary Research Leaders equips teams of researchers and community partners to apply advanced leadership skills and rigorous research in meeting pressing community health needs. 

Leadership Participant and Alumni Resources

Previous Initiatives

If you have questions about a previous RWJF leadership development program, please contact us at coordinatingcenter@rwjf.org.

Communications Planning Tool

The tool is designed to help you create and implement a proactive plan. It will help you engage more intentionally and strategically in times of urgency and changing circumstances. And it should complement other communication planning tools and training you may have received. If you already have a communications plan, reviewing this tool might help you add new insights and dimensions to it.

 

Tool PDF, English
Tool PDF, Spanish
Video, English
Video, Spanish