A person’s health has roots in their community’s history. This report highlights aptly named “bright spots” in Alaska, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Ohio, South Carolina, and Utah—where identified healthcare organizations are flipping longstanding paradigms to improve the health and wellbeing of local residents, along with their institutions’ standing in their respective communities. 

From a federally qualified health center in South Carolina to a premier children’s hospital in Cincinnati, reducing racism and inequities requires structural change from within. It starts with “showing up” in surrounding historically marginalized communities.

Learn how healthcare organizations:

• Made staffing decisions to ensure providers better represent and reflect patients
• Advocated for social supports in the community, such as affordable housing and more accessible transportation
• Engaged in meaningful partnerships with local groups like local food banks and legal aid societies to reach area residents via trusted communications channels.