Acenda Integrated Health CEO Dr. Anthony DiFabio and Chief Operating Officer Melissa Fox have joined The Root Cause Coalition, a nonprofit, member-driven organization that includes more than 70 leading health systems, hospital associations, foundations, businesses, national and community nonprofits, health insurers, academic institutions, local governments and policy centers.
Acenda, based in Glassboro, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to industry-leading prevention, treatment and wellness services. It provides more than 100 health and social service programs across more than 60 locations throughout a 13-county region in New Jersey.
“Acenda’s mission and values clearly align with those of TRCC as we strive to eliminate health inequities in our communities,” DiFabio said. “The lack of focus on, and appropriate care of, the behavioral health of minority groups demonstrates a strong need to close this gap in care. We look forward to collaborating with other organization members as we work towards a common goal.”
DiFabio and Fox will work with national leaders to resolve health inequity, advocate for policies that support positive health outcomes, and participate in research projects that will identify best practices for implementation.
“Racial and ethnic disparities are prominent in the health care sector, with too many individuals left to receive minimal or no services they so desperately need,” Fox said. “Acenda is passionate about this cause, and being part of the TRCC will allow the organization the opportunity to be part of a progressive group of fellow professionals focusing on initiatives that will keep our communities healthy and thriving.”
TRCC Director Barbara Petee said the group welcomed the additions.
“Acenda is a wonderful addition to TRCC and we are so honored to have them involved in our work to advance health equity,” she said. “The negative effects of our mental health crisis are on full display during this global pandemic. Organizations such as Acenda provide much-needed services, from young children to older adults, all dealing with a multitude of mental health issues that significantly affect our overall well-being.”
