HFNJ Releases Statement on Health Equity

October 9, 2023

The following statement on health equity is our testament to the communities and stakeholders we serve of The Healthcare Foundation of NJ’s continued dedication to the principles of quality health care access for all.

Last year, HFNJ’s board organized a Health Equity Task Force to educate its members and the rest of the Foundation, and to make recommendations as needed regarding the subject of health equity. The task force has been led by Nancy Cohen and Michael Francis with staff leadership from Lisa Block. The task force drafted – and the board approved – the following statement which conveys to the public our enduring commitment to the principles of health equity and our pledge for action.

For over a quarter of a century, The Healthcare Foundation of NJ has dedicated itself to addressing health disparities and promoting quality health for all. The COVID-19 pandemic served as a powerful reminder of the importance of addressing structural inequities that lie at the root of these disparities. The stark outcomes of the recent pandemic, which disproportionately affected communities of color, have further ignited our call to action.

Trustees and staff of the Foundation are committed to health equity and tackling challenges that hinder equitable healthcare. We will strive to enhance and strengthen the impact we can have in the communities we serve so that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their optimal health regardless of race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, geography, preferred language, or other factors that affect access to care and health outcomes.

Commitment to Advancing Health Equity:

Our Continuing Pledge:

Investing in Knowledge: We will deepen our understanding through ongoing training and education from experts in the field.
Community-Led Guidance: We will seek input from community leaders who possess profound knowledge of these issues.
Equity-Centric Grantmaking: We will identify new opportunities to integrate a health equity perspective into our grantmaking policies.
Collaborative Innovation: We will forge new partnerships with organizations to fund innovative projects that can serve as models for others addressing inequities.

We anticipate this statement will evolve as we continue to learn and adapt to better address the challenges and opportunities in achieving health equity.