News, Insights & Evidence

Three people standing outside, two holding paperwork.

Community Leaders visit the Boys Totem Town Site Redevelopment project in St. Paul, Minn., on September 14, 2023. Photo by Caroline Yang.

We value community wisdom and institutional knowledge, and our commitment to continuous learning allows us to listen and connect insights to chart a course to health equity—faster and together. Explore news, research, policy updates, and thought leadership from experts within and outside RWJF, below.

Trending Topics

The landscape affecting the barriers to health equity is constantly shifting. Stay up to date as RWJF experts share their perspectives on timely news affecting our collective ability to get to a future where health equity is a reality.

In the Press

This court case could decide the future of childhood vaccines

A federal court is now in the process of deciding whether our nation’s vaccination system will remain standing or be dismantled, said Richard Besser in The Hill. "The stakes could not be higher."
Early Childhood Policy and Law Infectious Disease
In the Press

The Hepatitis B Vaccine Protects Our Most Vulnerable – Let's Keep It

For generations, childhood vaccinations have formed a quiet shield around America’s children. That shield is thinning. Richard Besser and Starsky Wilson capture the moment clearly: “retreating from vaccination is no way to care for our children,” a truth that sits uncomfortably beside the CDC’s decision to roll back universal Hepatitis B shots at birth.
Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
In the Press

What I got wrong 33 years ago as a new pediatrician talking to parents about vaccines

“I was right about vaccines, but wrong about how to have the conversation.” Rich Besser reflects on a lesson from decades ago that matters more than ever today.
Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

Expert Insights

Sharing solutions and stories from communities across America, along with critical perspectives and the best available data and evidence that can inform progress toward a future where health is no longer a privilege, but a right.

TRT Blog Post Graphic
Blog Post

How RWJF Is Reckoning with Its History

Being honest about our history means dismantling patterns that shape how we confront injustice.
Truth, Repair, and Transformation Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Exterior view of Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in 1990
Blog Post

How RWJF Is Reckoning with Its History

How RWJF Is Reckoning with Its History: Working toward health justice requires reckoning with historical truths.
Truth, Repair, and Transformation Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Investing in Racial Equity illustration.
Blog Post

Ensuring Community Investments Boost Health Equity and Wellbeing

These principles can help communities align resources to advance health and collective wellbeing, even when resources are scarce.
Equitable Community Development Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Community Power
Full Library

Our Research

We work to expand our nation's evidence base on what can help us achieve health equity faster and together. We recognize that equitable data collection and analysis is necessary to dismantle barriers to health equity.

A woman stands on a dirt road in a rural area.
Brief

Marketplace Pulse: Rural Health Transformation Program Will Not Meet the Moment for Rural Healthcare...

An analysis of how the Rural Health Transformation Program will fill gaps, and how it might fall short of its promise.
Healthcare Coverage and Access Policy and Law
RWJF
Brief

Marketplace Pulse: Rural Health Transformation Fund Will Not Meet the Moment for Rural Healthcare Systems

web page summary
A woman takes a patient's blood pressure.
Research

Millions Could Lose Health Coverage Due to New Medicaid Rules

New work requirements and more frequent eligibility checks could mean up to 10.1 million people will lose Medicaid coverage.
Healthcare Coverage and Access Healthcare Costs & Outcomes
Full Library

Advocacy & Policy

We are committed to advancing the policies, practices, and systems changes that can dismantle structural barriers to wellbeing, especially racism. We take the long view and focus on efforts that have a lasting impact on systemic, generational change.

A woman stands on a dirt road in a rural area.
Brief

Marketplace Pulse: Rural Health Transformation Program Will Not Meet the Moment for Rural Healthcare...

An analysis of how the Rural Health Transformation Program will fill gaps, and how it might fall short of its promise.
Healthcare Coverage and Access Policy and Law
Brief

Marketplace Pulse: Medicaid Enrollment Past, Present, Future

Medicaid enrollments decline, even before work requirements take effect, increasing risk for patients and providers alike.
Healthcare Coverage and Access Policy and Law Employment, Income and Wealth
A woman lifts a panel of lettuce that is growing in an aquaponic greenhouse
Brief

Marketplace Pulse: Off the Cliff in Farm Country

The expiration of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits (ePTCs) will have its greatest impact in rural America.
Healthcare Coverage and Access Policy and Law Rural Health
Full Library