History
It was late 2011. The term “health equity” was increasingly moving to the center of the health-related discourse. Yet, not many people knew (and still don’t know) what it meant. Not many people outside of the expert community and some specific professional sectors were engaged with this topic. Yet, many people want to leave a healthier world to their children and grandchildren.
Health Equity Initiative's Founding Board of Directors.
2011 Portraits.
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With Health Equity Initiative’s founding board of directors, founder Renata Schiavo felt that a comprehensive approach was needed to address the health inequities that affect our communities, cities and neighborhoods, both in the United States and globally. We knew that such an approach should harness the power of community and citizen engagement, support knowledge on the root causes of health inequities, and build cross-sectoral skills and resources for health equity-driven interventions. Most important, at the center of Health Equity Initiative’s efforts is the vision that no single profession, community, or leader alone can effectively address health inequities, and therefore, we should ALL contribute to removing barriers that prevent people from living healthy and productive lives.
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Initially dedicated to building community, capacity and communication resources for health equity, HEI quickly made progress towards all of its action areas thanks to the generous support and partnership of many individuals and organizations that contributed their time, funds and ideas. Our Highlights of Accomplishments speaks for itself.
Yet, this was not enough. We know that it takes a village to inspire community action and create the strategic partnerships necessary to support health equity. We know that investments in health equity, social change and innovation are still limited when compared to aspirations (both in terms of public, organizational and audience engagement, and funding opportunities). We also know that too often we work in silos and many professionals and community leaders may not realize their efforts are actually already contributing to health equity. We know that many organizations needs skills and resources to integrate health and racial equity in their mission, strategies, and activities, and this often relies on their ability to connect with others who already invested in advancing health equity or are starting a similar journey.
This is when we started working with the idea of transitioning into a multisectoral membership organization…to bridge silos among different professionals sectors, disciplines, communities, and stakeholders in health equity issues, and build their capacity for action on health and racial equity.
The new HEI was born and launched on April 30, 2014, thanks to the input and participation of many of our followers:
Ultimately, by bringing together and enlisting the efforts of the public and private sectors, professions and communities that have both a stake and an influence on social determinants of health, HEI advocates for improving conditions and achieving equity in health for all.
If you are new to Health Equity Initiative, we invite you to explore our website and About section and check out the benefits, activities, and resources that can help you bring about the transformative change you want to see in the world. Get involved!
Yet, this was not enough. We know that it takes a village to inspire community action and create the strategic partnerships necessary to support health equity. We know that investments in health equity, social change and innovation are still limited when compared to aspirations (both in terms of public, organizational and audience engagement, and funding opportunities). We also know that too often we work in silos and many professionals and community leaders may not realize their efforts are actually already contributing to health equity. We know that many organizations needs skills and resources to integrate health and racial equity in their mission, strategies, and activities, and this often relies on their ability to connect with others who already invested in advancing health equity or are starting a similar journey.
This is when we started working with the idea of transitioning into a multisectoral membership organization…to bridge silos among different professionals sectors, disciplines, communities, and stakeholders in health equity issues, and build their capacity for action on health and racial equity.
The new HEI was born and launched on April 30, 2014, thanks to the input and participation of many of our followers:
- Ninety-six (96%) of the 253 participants in an online survey we conducted in 2013 expressed interest in a membership organization solely dedicated to health equity/health disparities.
- Our revised mission, strategic goals, benefits, and action areas reflect the vision and priorities of the online survey participants and the many colleagues from multiple sectors and community leaders who joined our team in our public meetings regarding the redesign of HEI, and subsequent planning and activities.
Ultimately, by bringing together and enlisting the efforts of the public and private sectors, professions and communities that have both a stake and an influence on social determinants of health, HEI advocates for improving conditions and achieving equity in health for all.
If you are new to Health Equity Initiative, we invite you to explore our website and About section and check out the benefits, activities, and resources that can help you bring about the transformative change you want to see in the world. Get involved!
