Healthcare System
We’re working to build a fair and just healthcare system that is accessible, affordable, and treats everyone with dignity and respect.
We must upend racist and discriminatory policies, practices, and decisionmaking that limit access to care and place profit above health and wellbeing. We need healthcare leaders working in partnership with communities to rectify past harms and prevent new ones. Together, we can renew hope in healthcare, rebuilding a system that has hurt some people into one that offers healing to all.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
A healthcare workforce that reflects the rich tapestry of our society—from race and ethnicity to gender and disability status—can reduce health inequities and improve the health of all people.
Everybody's Work: Timothea Vo's Story
In this clip from “Everybody’s Work,” Timothea Vo, PhD, RN, CTN-B, shares a transformative encounter from her nursing career. As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Northeastern University, Timothea’s experience highlights the gap in cultural competency and communication in healthcare settings.
Increasing Diversity in the Health Professions: How Collaboration Leads to Greater Impact
In this conversation, panelists explored how collaboration across institutions can address systemic racism in admissions for academic health science programs. Fostering a diverse healthcare workforce leads to better health outcomes for all, especially historically marginalized communities.
Why Diversifying the Health Professions Matters for Everyone
Lauren Smith, RWJF’s vice president of Strategic Portfolios, shares an experience during her time with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health when a team prioritizing equity improved healthcare for everyone.
6-min read
Advancing Equity in Higher Ed, in a Post-Affirmative Action Era
Researchers identify strategies for recruiting, retaining, and promoting diverse faculty, staff, and students—and offers recommendations for the way forward—that can help universities achieve a healthier, more inclusive future.
6-min read
Understanding Our Past to Strengthen Our Commitment to Health Equity and Justice
RWJF has been committed to advancing health equity for more than 50 years. To continue our efforts to dismantle the barriers to opportunities for health, we need to look critically at our legacy as an organization—including our actions and inaction over the years.
5-min read
Access and Affordability
Our families, communities, and nation are stronger when everyone—regardless of who they are, where they live, or how much money they make—can access quality healthcare.
Georgians Speaking on Health Care Coverage
People from Georgia discuss living in the health insurance coverage gap. The Georgia Budget and Policy Institute is amplifying their stories.
That's Medicaid
People helped by Medicaid at critical points in their lives share their stories. RWJF is advocating for Medicaid expansion so more people can access the care they need when they need it.
How We Are Shaping Federal Policy to Drive Health Equity
Through the public comment process, we are working to ensure that our laws and policies give everyone—regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, class, or disability—a fair and just opportunity to reach their best health and wellbeing.
What Policies Will Allow Immigrants and Their Families to Thrive?
Sharing from her perspective as the child of parents who immigrated to the U.S., RWJF’s Christine Fu discusses how centering immigrant families can bring us closer to health equity.
Leadership
We need courageous healthcare leaders sharing power with bold community leaders as they work together to challenge inequitable policies and practices.
Voices for Health Justice
Engaging CEOs in Equity
JUSTICE SQUARED
Birth Justice
Our healthcare system must treat everyone with dignity and respect. In our nation’s ongoing maternal health crisis, this means ensuring safe, dignified, and respectful birthing experiences.
Everyone Should Have Access to Safe, Respectful, and Dignified Maternal Care
Watch two powerful short films showcasing the remarkable efforts of leaders in the fight for equitable Black maternal healthcare.
1-min read
Achieving Joyful, Healthy Births for All
5-min read
Maternal Health Equity Guidance
Working to solve a generations-long crisis fueled by multiple factors is daunting, but making a difference is possible. Healthcare organizations can deploy assets already at their disposal toward advancing maternal health equity—such as key infrastructure, a committee staff, and a treasure trove of data.
Three Ways Local Solutions Can Improve Maternal and Birthing Health
6-min read
Related Content
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Access to quality healthcare is essential to everyone's ability to achieve and maintain good health—and is not possible without affordable, quality health insurance coverage. Removing barriers to accessing quality healthcare is crucial to advancing health equity.
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Healthcare Quality and Value
In collaboration with healthcare providers, payers, policymakers, and consumer groups, we are working to help ensure that everyone in America receives the right care at the right price and improve overall health outcomes nationwide.
1-min read