On March 12, 2019, the NAM hosted a stakeholder meeting to explore the catalytic role of anchor institutions in addressing the social determinants of health and improving health equity in communities across the nation. Participants included senior leaders from universities, hospitals, major employers, and other anchor institutions. 

The key objectives of the meeting were to:

• Discuss why anchor institution strategies are a key component to advancing health equity and a culture of health in neighboring underserved communities
• Explore how to shape and use an anchor institution mission for universities, hospitals, and health systems to advance health equity and a culture of health in communities highlighting promising models
• Explore how to shape and use an anchor institution mission for businesses, non-profit foundations, and municipalities to advance health equity and a culture of health in communities highlighting promising models
• Share information and lessons learned to determine a way forward in taking purposeful action through an anchor institution approach to address health inequities and advance a culture of health in communities
  

This meeting was closed to the public. For questions, please contact Ivory Clarke at IClarke@nas.edu. 

The National Academy of Medicine’s Culture of Health Program, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, is a multiyear collaborative effort to identify strategies to create and sustain conditions that support equitable good health for everyone in America. Since launching, the program released a consensus study on how communities can promote health equity in their local settings, launched three additional consensus studies, held a nationwide community art project, developed a community documentary series, and traveled the country to learn how communities are promoting health equity on the ground. Upcoming activities and tools include an art project inspired by young leaders across the nation, an online resource hub, and additional public workshops.  Learn more >>