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
A vibrant community reflecting individuals of various ethnicities, ages, disabilities, and professions engaged in collaborative, health promoting activities.

Ambitious Goals to Transform Health in Our Lifetime

Julie Morita, MD, executive vice president of RWJF, shares how her family’s experience of state-sanctioned racism and their search for community solidified her commitment to transform opportunities for health within our lifetime.

7-min read

Health Disparities Structural Racism
Blog Post
Hands illustration.

Why We Are Defending Policy Tools That Advance Equity

Discover why race-conscious policies and ballot measures are crucial tools for ensuring our policymaking is truly in service of racial and health equity.

5-min read

Health Disparities Policy and Law Structural Racism
African american business man sitting on a bench of the city working with his laptop

Health Equity Scholars for Action

This program supports the career development and academic advancement of researchers from historically underrepresented backgrounds who conduct health equity research.

1-min read

Health Disparities
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Featured Initiatives

RWJF funds many initiatives in support of our vision for a Culture of Health. 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 national program highlights the many social and economic factors that influence health and shows how health is influenced by where we live, learn, work and play. The program also 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.