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.

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

The Voting Rights Act is Gone. Our Nation’s Health Will Suffer the Consequences

As both a Black woman and an executive with RWJF, Avenel Joseph sees the connection between voting and health in communities across the country.
Policy and Law
In the Press

Op-Ed: Tell council your story about unaffordable prescription drugs

The Drug Affordability Council wants to hear how the cost of prescription drugs affects New Jerseyans, whether you are a patient or a family member, a pharmacist, clinician or some other participant in the drug supply chain.
Economic Inclusion for Family Wellbeing
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

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.

A billboard with the message "Community is Strength" is on display as a woman walks by.
Blog Post

Evaluation that Builds Community Power Begins with Trust

Equitable evaluation uplifts and empowers historically undervalued or unheard perspectives which advances health and racial equity.
Health Disparities Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Community Power
Research can strengthen democracy.
Blog Post

Can Research Strengthen Democracy?

A stronger democracy begins with research that values the knowledge and wisdom of every community.
Social Determinants of Health Policy and Law Community Power
Several diverse families emerge from a convoluted maze and approach a simplified tax system of the future.
Blog Post

Our tax code wasn't built for today's families. We can change it.

Tax system reforms can give families of all shapes and sizes a fair and just opportunity to thrive.
Child and Family Wellbeing Policy and Law
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.

Granville and Vance Counties, N.C.: Signs of Progress Toward Reversing the Childhood Obesity Epidemic Counties report declines in obesity among youths ages 2-18
Research

Understanding Perspectives on Health and Wellbeing in New Jersey

N.J. poll findings indicate that across political, racial, and geographic differences, residents agree that some people face greater barriers to living a healthy life. At the same time, perspectives differ on why these gaps exist and how to address them.
Health Disparities New Jersey Housing
The City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program has joined forces with the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services to form the Porch Light Initiative. Using art and human connection, the Porch Light Initiative strives to improve the health of vulnerable communities and individuals. Porch Light is a Local Funding Partnership of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. From October to April, artists are paired with partner agencies � Sobriety Through Out- Patient (STOP), Associaci�n Puertorrique�os en Marcha (APM) and Project H.O.M.E. Over the course of the year, the artists work with the service recipients at the agencies to design, paint, and hang large-scale murals in the neighborhoods where the organizations are located. They use art to engage clients in a new way, develop deeper connections to their community, and create a safe space to talk about behavioral health issues such as mental health problems or substance abuse.The Porch Light Initiative is dedicated to de-stigmatizing these behavior health issues, among clients themselves and among all area residents who see the murals. These beautiful murals act as beacons in the neighborhoods, sparking conversations about behavioral health issues, shedding light on challenges faced by service recipients, and encouraging empathy among fellow community members. The murals are not only a tool for partner organizations to integrate themselves into the community in a positive way; they heighten awareness of the resources available to help people with behavioral health issues and can increase access to treatment.
Research

Advancing Collective Wellbeing

Collective wellbeing is both aspirational and operational. It is driven by a shared vision that generates actions to help people and communities not just survive, but thrive.
Public and Community Health
RWJF
Brief

Fear of Immigration Enforcement in U.S. Communities Extends Beyond Immigrant Families, Data Show

A survey revealed nearly half of US adults fear ICE in their community.
Public and Community Health Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
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.

RWJF
Brief

Fear of Immigration Enforcement in U.S. Communities Extends Beyond Immigrant Families, Data Show

A survey revealed nearly half of US adults fear ICE in their community.
Public and Community Health Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Chairty Reynolds (right) is a full-spectrum family medicine physician and the medical director for Fond du Lac Human Services Division.
She is pictured here inside the Min No Aya Win (Human Servces Center) explainig the mammogram device available at their health center.
The mission of the Fond du Lac Human Services Division is to elevate the health and social well-being of American Indian people living in the service area through the provision of culturally appropriate services, research, education and employment opportunities.
Brief

Insurance for a Healthier Future: How Medicaid Supports Us All

This research roundup highlights evidence on how Medicaid benefits everyone and policy recommendations that states can take to protect coverage and access to care.
Healthcare Coverage and Access Policy and Law Aging
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
Full Library