Wellness Equity Alliance’s Post

Since 2020, Ochsner Health has collaborated with state and local partners to initiate Healthy State, aiming to build a Louisiana where everyone can flourish. Our clear and impactful strategy focuses on health, social well-being, education, workforce development and economic mobility. We believe tackling these areas can lead to a more equitable and prosperous Louisiana. Come with us to construct a healthier, more inclusive state for everyone. Together, we can create a lasting impact on the well-being of our communities. View the plan summary here: https://ow.ly/6qzC50QwZx8 Learn more about Healthy State: https://ow.ly/V2vb50QwZx9 #HealthyState #HealthEquity #CommunityHealth

Congratulations to the incredible 2023 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation #CultureOfHealthPrize winners! 🎈 It’s inspiring to see what is possible when communities come together to address structural racism and other forms of structural discrimination—even if they don’t use those terms—so everyone can reach their best health and wellbeing in the place they call home. Every community is unique, but all of these Prize communities are building and sustaining a Culture of Health through deep cross-sector partnerships; efforts led by those directly affected by inequities; and lasting solutions to improve community conditions that influence health and wellbeing, such as changes to policy and the built environment. We want to celebrate these communities’ accomplishments. Prize winners show what improving health equity looks like, and can inspire other communities and policymakers across the country to take action so everyone and their children can thrive. The winners include: - Austin, TX - Baltimore, MD - Detroit, MI - Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Reservation - Houston, TX - Los Angeles County, CA - Ramsey County, MN - Tacoma, WA - Zuni Pueblo Learn more about the #CultureOfHealthPrize communities leading the way. https://rwjf.ws/3txLI14

On this day, the St. Louis Integrated Health Network (IHN) commemorates and honors the legacy of Michael Brown, Jr. who was taken from us way too soon. We also stand in solidarity with Michael’s family and friends, striving for a safer and more just and equitable society. Ten years later, it is important that we all revisit the call to action outlined in the Ferguson Commission report, “Forward Through Ferguson: A Path Toward Racial Equity.” (https://lnkd.in/gqAFRMqQ) Championed by Bethany Johnson-Javois, former IHN CEO and Managing Director of the commission, one of the signature priorities named in the report is assuring access to affordable health care. IHN was born out of the necessity to ensure access to quality and affordable healthcare for historically excluded communities. As a trusted partner, we hold ourselves and those with whom we partner accountable to advancing health equity. We center ourselves in the fundamental truth that health equity cannot be realized without racial equity. Racial equity is achieved when all communities reach their full potential through the elimination of policies, systems, and cultural messages that reinforce differential outcomes by race. Recognizing that practices of the past and present have shaped current gaps in health outcomes, the path forward for St. Louis requires us to mobilize and leverage the power of our community, partners, and systems to collectively disrupt these patterns. In honor of Michael Brown, Jr., IHN will continue to challenge systems and change structures that impede access and opportunities to wellbeing. We offer peace and comfort to Michael Brown, Jr.’s family and friends, and to broader to St. Louis community who was touched by his spirit. Blessings, Andwele Jolly #TenYearCommemoration #AllRoadsLeadToFerguson #MB2MW #ChosenforChange #Community #Equity #HealthEquitySTL #IHNCommunity #MichaelBrown Forward Through Ferguson Deaconess Foundation Affinia Healthcare CareSTL Health Family Care Health Centers People's Health Centers Inc SSM Health BJC HealthCare Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis St. Louis University School of Medicine Generate Health STL Missouri Foundation for Health Operation Food Search

ICYMI: A new video about the Texas Accountable Communities for Health Initiative (TACHI) was featured at this month's American Public Health Association annual meeting in Atlanta! Created by EHF, with support from our partner St. David's Foundation, TACHI is changing the way Texas thinks about health – from one that is centered on the health care system to one that values health equity and multi-sector partnerships. It’s an ambitious model currently being used by six TACHI sites across the state to address underlying, non-medical causes of poor health and find sustainable solutions for the entire community. Greater Longview Optimal Wellness (GLOW) is a great example, where innovative strategies are being employed to address non-medical drivers of health to reduce ER overuse and improve health outcomes for those in Longview who face serious barriers to good health. #HealthNotJustHealthCare #healthequity #philanthropy See more: https://lnkd.in/gzVNwzTs

Get to know the public health experts and leaders on the Milken Institute Public Health team (formerly known as the Center for Public Health)! For today’s spotlight, I sat down with Associate Anita Totten, MPH. 1. What brought you to the Milken Institute / MI Public Health? I come from a background in human and social services, addressing many social drivers of health in local communities. While finishing a Master of Public Health, I was looking for a practicum experience that allowed me to grow, learn, and make measurable impact in public health. The Milken Institute Public Health team had an opening for an intern to work on a new project focused on lessons learned from COVID-19 related to public-private partnerships, and when offered the opportunity, I gladly accepted. About a year and a half ago, I moved into an Associate position where I support our work in chronic disease and prevention, mental health and substance use disorder, and health equity. 2. What projects are you working on at the moment? I am currently working on several projects focused on the role of employers in whole-person health: employer-sponsored insurance innovation, obesity care modernization, and investments in digital health for substance use disorders. In addition to these projects, I support the Health Equity Advisory Panel, which brings together diverse thought leaders in medicine, public health, housing, data analytics, substance use, health equity, pharmaceutical, sex and gender minorities, nursing, epidemiology, nutrition, and more. 3. What excites you the most about our work at the Milken Institute Public Health? I enjoy working for an organization that is making meaningful impact and advancing healthier communities through sustainable solutions. It is exciting hearing and learning from diverse perspectives to push forward and activate system change to the world’s most pressing public health issues. 4. What’s a piece of advice you’d give to someone who is just starting their career? Don’t be afraid to reinvent yourself. Learn new things. Try to get outside of your comfort zone. 5. What hobby, passion or interests do you pursue outside of your professional role? I enjoy jogging, trying out new hiking trails with my two children, caring for houseplants, and volunteering for community-based organizations. For links to publications Anita has co-authored and supported, visit her staff page here! https://lnkd.in/equ5VjDZ

Congratulations to the incredible 2023 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation #CultureOfHealthPrize winners! 🎈 It’s inspiring to see what is possible when communities come together to address structural racism and other forms of structural discrimination—even if they don’t use those terms—so everyone can reach their best health and wellbeing in the place they call home. Every community is unique, but all of these Prize communities are building and sustaining a Culture of Health through deep cross-sector partnerships; efforts led by those directly affected by inequities; and lasting solutions to improve community conditions that influence health and wellbeing, such as changes to policy and the built environment. We want to celebrate these communities’ accomplishments. Prize winners show what improving health equity looks like, and can inspire other communities and policymakers across the country to take action so everyone and their children can thrive. The winners include: - Austin, TX - Baltimore, MD - Detroit, MI - Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Reservation - Houston, TX - Los Angeles County, CA - Ramsey County, MI - Tacoma, WA - Zuni Pueblo Learn more about the #CultureOfHealthPrize communities leading the way. https://rwjf.ws/3txLI14