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Health inequities affect us all. Learning healthcare systems, including those that advance health equity, have been highlighted as necessary to advancing health, yet true learning health systems for health equity remains elusive. The United States continues to lag behind other high-income countries on significant health indicators, including infant mortality, chronic disease, and overall mortality, largely due to health and health care inequities. Additionally, societal imposed norms and historic systemic oppression have resulted in the widespread inequities seen and felt throughout the country. These health inequities have led to higher healthcare costs, a decrease in overall positive health outcomes in marginalized populations, and premature deaths.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) awarded two UMB faculty members a three-year grant to create and launch the Global Learning for Health Equity Network (GL4HE). The grant is part of RWJF’s “Global Ideas for U.S. Solutions” program. The network will build connections needed to advance global learning and strengthen community capacity to bring global ideas for adoption, adaptation, and implementation within U.S. communities. Dr. Yolanda Ogbolu (School of Nursing) and Virginia Rowthorn (Center for Global Engagement) are co-PIs on this cutting edge initiative designed to facilitate the translation of health equity initiatives from around the world to communities in the United States.