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.

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Impact Investments

Impact investing expands our toolkit and builds on our decades-long work changing systems and policies to improve health, especially for those facing the greatest obstacles.

2-min read

Health Disparities
Statement
Miss.. v. Becerra Statement

RWJF Statement on "Friend of the Court" Filing in Mississippi v. Becerra

RWJF submitted an amicus brief to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi in support of the U.S. government’s position in the case Mississippi v. Becerra.

1-min read

Healthcare Coverage and Access Policy and Law Structural Racism
Blog Post
Systems Blog Illustration

What if Our Systems Actually Served ALL of Us

Together, we can rebuild systems so they work for us all, leading to a future where health is no longer a privilege but a right.

5-min read

Health Disparities Policy and Law 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. 

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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.