WEI Functions
Wellness Equity Institute's purpose is to drive meaningful change by focusing on five core areas:
Research and Implementation Science
Technical Assistance and System Coordination
Innovative Solutions
Workforce Development
Data Modernization
We conduct in-depth studies to uncover the root causes of health disparities and provide actionable insights. We offer technical assistance, education and training to healthcare providers, community organizations, and policymakers, equipping them with the resources and strategies needed to create equitable and effective programs. We design and implement cutting-edge solutions, including the use of advanced technology, culturally responsive care models, and community-led initiatives. Everything we do is aimed at addressing social determinants of health, advancing health equity, and creating lasting systems change that improves outcomes for historically underserved populations.
WEI Functions
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We work with leading federal research institutions to advance health equity through evidence-based solutions. Our research focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of health disparities, particularly in historically marginalized and underserved communities.We conduct comprehensive studies, pilot innovative models, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions designed to improve access, outcomes, and health system performance.
Our work leverages cutting-edge methodologies and incorporates community input to ensure our findings are both actionable and equitable.
We contribute to the growing body of knowledge that informs public health policy, shapes best practices, and drives transformative change in healthcare delivery.
We conduct research on public health policies affecting marginalized communities, providing data-driven insights and recommendations to policymakers.
Conduct thorough evaluations of community health landscapes, identifying gaps in healthcare access, outcomes, and resources, especially in marginalized populations. Enable Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) heat maps using GIS technology to visually connect health outcomes with social, economic, and environmental factors like income, housing, healthcare access, and education.
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We foster partnerships with local organizations, healthcare providers, and government agencies to create a network of support for advancing health equity. Collaborative projects are designed to leverage resources and expertise to maximize community impact.
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We offer educational programs and workshops focused on raising awareness about health equity issues, empowering communities with knowledge, and advocating for systemic changes. This includes training community leaders and healthcare providers to better serve underserved populations.
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We specialize in providing Technical Assistance (TA) and systems coordination to transform healthcare delivery and improve health outcomes for historically marginalized and underserved communities. Through TA, we offer tailored support to healthcare providers, community organizations, and public health agencies, equipping them with the tools, training, and resources necessary to deliver equitable and culturally responsive care.
Our systems coordination efforts focus on breaking down silos and fostering collaboration across sectors, aligning public health initiatives with healthcare services to create seamless, integrated networks of care.
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We optimize workforce development by providing TA focused on diversifying and integrating the healthcare workforce, especially for alternative workforce models. Our Community Health Worker (CHW) taskforce is one example, where we work to incorporate CHWs into our core operational workflows and collect and publish this data. Through targeted capacity-building initiatives, we enhance training programs and provide essential resources to amplify the power of CHWs (particularly those with lived experience) with the skills, tools, and knowledge needed to effectively address the SDoH and bridge critical gaps in care delivery.
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Data modernization is a cornerstone of our efforts to advance health equity and the optimization of care delivery. We leverage cutting-edge technology and robust data systems to streamline workflows, enhance service delivery, and improve health outcomes for historically marginalized populations. Our approach includes developing efficient Electronic Medical Record (EMR) workflows tailored for Enhanced Care Management (ECM) and street medicine programs, conducting GIS street mapping to better target underserved areas, and utilizing data analytics to identify and address health disparities. Through collaborative partnerships with academic institutions, healthcare organizations, and community stakeholders, we integrate real-time data insights into decision-making processes, empowering teams to deliver impactful, patient-centered care while driving systemic improvements in public health.