Prevention Institute’s health systems transformation efforts focus on broadening out the definition of the health system to include all the organizations and sectors that contribute to people’s health. The health system in the United States is typically thought of as the network of hospitals, health plans, and community health centers where people receive clinical care. But the system that supports thriving and equitable communities is far broader. During the COVID-19 pandemic, public health agencies and the work they do to support community health, safety, and wellbeing were thrust into the spotlight. Community-based organizations also play a crucial role: during the pandemic, they provided food, financial support, eviction protection, ways to maintain social connection, and other basics that communities need in order to be healthy.

PI advocates for improved integration of all the elements of the system, increased financial support to keep the system stable, and changes to aspects of the system that are perpetuating health inequities and racial injustice. We collaborate with health system partners and to redesign and augment the existing system so that it prioritizes improved health outcomes for communities of color, immigrants, communities with low incomes, and other groups that the health system has previously neglected.