To be the healthiest, most equitable state in America, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation believes New Jersey must address the harms experienced by communities of color, resulting from generations of discriminatory policies and practices.
In 2023, RWJF released A Policy Agenda for a Healthier, More Equitable New Jersey to examine New Jersey’s history of structural racism and how it continues posing barriers to health equity, and recommended policy suggestions to drive change in the areas of affordable housing, birth and reproductive justice, public health infrastructure and community power-building.
In May, RWJF launched a new, interactive HealthEquityForNJ.com webpage “infographic” that clearly, succinctly and engagingly introduces and explores the complexities and impacts of structural racism in New Jersey. It synthesizes the report in a concise and visual way, helping viewers understand and, ideally, take action to make a difference.
The interactive webpage features:
- Interactive data visualizations illustrating health disparities rooted in structural racism;
- Videos and stories highlighting the lived experiences of individuals and communities affected by systemic inequities; and
- A comprehensive overview of the policy agenda, outlining actionable steps to dismantle barriers and foster a more inclusive and just society.
The foundation believes New Jersey — our home state — should be a place where everyone can live the healthiest life possible, regardless of who they are, where they come from or how much money they have.
A Policy Agenda for a Healthier, More Equitable New Jersey examines what a better New Jersey would look like, what obstacles block it and what actions are needed. In addition to examining a history of discrimination and how it creates barriers to health, the report offers policy recommendations in the areas of affordable housing, birth and reproductive justice, public health infrastructure and building community power to drive change.
For more information on this issue and others affecting health and wellbeing in the Garden State, please click here.
