(From left) Ali Abdullahi, Kaftun Ahmed, Franka Miletic, and Anjana Chakkour, members of the team of Community Health Workers at Massachusetts General Hospital's Chelsea Healthcare Center stand in front of the center. The workers seek to reduce healthcare barriers which are posed for patients by language and cultural differences. (AEM Chelsea MA story image)
Three people of diverse ethnic backgrounds stand together.

HEALTH SYSTEMS

RWJF supports programs that are helping to expand our thinking about community partnerships that work together to pursue public and community health. 

We believe improving public and community health requires linking systems like hospitals, schools and health departments with community organizations, urban planners and developers, and business. Improving public and community health requires a commitment to health equity to ensure everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. 

Construction staff and community officials discuss plans for a new grocery store.

Working with Community Partners to Advance Equity in Public Health

Related News and Insights

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

Brief
Men wearing protective masks distribute food.

Exploring the Role of Equity in SNAP Modernization and Access

An Urban Institute brief explores the role of equity in SNAP modernization and access.

1-min read

Public and Community Health Policy and Law
Brief
Asian man finds eviction notice on the door of the house

Employment and Material Hardship Among Adults with Long COVID in December 2022

Researchers conclude that providing universal paid leave and increasing workplace accommodations can help mitigate the negative impacts of long COVID. .

1-min read

Public and Community Health
Blog Post
Statue of Liberty with mask and stethoscope illustration.

Two Keys to Advancing Health Equity for Immigrants

Civic engagement and equity-centered data foster a society that advances health and wellbeing for immigrants.

5-min read

Public and Community Health
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Featured Initiatives

RWJF funds many initiatives in support of our vision for a Culture of Health. For this area of focus, these initiatives were selected to demonstrate grantmaking that is helping us achieve the greatest impact. 

Aligning Systems for Health

Focusing on identifying, testing, and sharing what works to align healthcare, public health, and social services to better address the needs of the people and communities they serve.

Learn more about aligning systems
Carol Prevost, Polly, and her father Allen Workman, patients at St. Peter Family Practice, Olympia, Washington. Improving Chronic Illness Care

Public Health Forward

Improve the health of communities by strengthening and advocating for local health departments.

Learn more about naccho
Group of multi-ethnic women walking down the stairs of gym.

Culture of Health Prize

The Prize celebrates communities where people and organizations are collaborating to build positive solutions to barriers that have created unequal opportunities for health and wellbeing.

9-min read

Learn more about the Prize