Rutgers Equity Alliance for Community Health (REACH) is a new initiative to improve the health and quality of life in three New Jersey cities facing food insecurity, high unemployment, low high school graduation rates, and shrinking household incomes. REACH bridges the invaluable wisdom of lived experience by bringing together community-based organizations with the rigorous research of university researchers, faculty, staff, and students. While research has been done for decades looking at social determinants of health, there is still a tremendous gap between what we know academically and what is happening in communities. The goal of REACH is to close that gap.
External link for Rutgers Equity Alliance for Community Health
325 Cooper Street
Camden, New Jersey, US
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Powerful event yesterday at Rutgers w. the Rutgers Equity Alliance for Community Health I was on a panel talking on “The Role of AI in Sustainable Employment” Alongside many impressive humans across government, education and the private sector. And a powerful keynote by Matthew Desmond 👉 author of “Poverty, by America” 📘
Rutgers Equity Alliance for Community Health reposted this
I was honored to speak at the yesterday's REACH Symposium hosted by the Rutgers Equity Alliance for Community Health, where community leaders, scholars, and advocates came together to address the root causes of health inequities across New Jersey. As a panelist in the session “What is a Livable Wage? Income Equity Issues,” I had the opportunity to share how wage inequality is impacting families in Passaic County, and to lift up solutions. A highlight of the day was hearing Dr. Matthew Desmond, author of Poverty, By America, deliver a powerful keynote that challenged all of us to ask: Why is there so much poverty in the richest nation on earth? His call to action—to become poverty abolitionists— is more important than ever and is a moral movement. Thank you to Rutgers University, the REACH team, and RWJF for convening such a bold, inspiring, and necessary conversation. Let’s keep pushing forward to end #PovertybyAmerica Diane Hagerman @DrDeniseRogers Amber Randolph Marco Navarro Stephanie Hoopes Kevin Callaghan Lorraine Minnite Ronsha Dickerson Sara Elnakib, PhD, MPH, RD Jackie Bavaro Rucha Gadre @UnitedWayofPassaicCounty #UnitedIsTheWay
Last Thursday, we gathered in Newark for Bridging the Gap Population Health Symposium—a day filled with insights, collaboration, and meaningful conversations focused on advancing health equity and improving outcomes for our communities. A huge THANK YOU to all the attendees, speakers, panelists, and partners who brought their expertise, passion, and lived experiences to the table. Your engagement, curiosity, and commitment to this work continue to drive real impact. 👏 Rafael E. Pérez-Figueroa, MD, MPH Rutgers School of Public Health 👏 Vanya J., Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health 👏 Denise Rodgers, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences 👏 Ketlen Alsbrook, City of Newark Health Department 👏 Mary Pelak, Camden Coalition 👏 Shawna Hudson, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School 👏 David Cozart, Commonwealth Center for Fathers and Families (CCFF) 👏 Brian McGovern, NJCRI, North Jersey Community Research Initiative 👏 Kristin August, Rutgers University - Camden 👏 Sherri Ohly, University of Wisconsin-Madison 👏 Tracy Parris-Benjamin, The Outcomes Architect 👏 Charles Brown, Cherry Hill Free Clinic 👏 Diane Hagerman, Rutgers Equity Alliance for Community Health 👏 Mariam Merced, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital 👏 Rosabel Pastrana Vázquez, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital 👏 Thalia Sirjue, NJ Department of Health 👏 Nicole Mendoza, Rutgers University School of Communication and Information Let’s keep the conversation going! Join us in a few weeks for Poverty, Equity, and Their Influencing Factors: A REACH Symposium, where we will continue to exchange ideas, build connections, and take actionable steps toward a more equitable future in New Jersey. 🔗 Register now: https://lnkd.in/e3X5ZcUu Thank you to 📸 John O'Boyle for capturing the day #PopulationHealth #BridgingTheGap #HealthEquity #Collaboration #PublicHealth #CommunityEngagement #Newark #sdoh #socialdeterminantsofhealth
‼️ Part 2 of our phenomenal speaker lineup ‼️ Join these dynamic community leaders, researchers, and change-makers for a day of connection, learning, and growing together. Don’t miss this chance to be part of the conversation!Only three weeks away! 🔗 Register now: https://lnkd.in/e3X5ZcUu #RutgersREACH #Healthequity #PovertybyAmerica #SocialJustice #socialdeterminantsofhealth 🎤 Dan Rhoton, Executive Director, Hopeworks 🎤 Onna Jones, NCC, Director, Community Partnerships, Hopeworks 🎤 Terri Griffith, Ph.D., ICD.D., Simon Fraser University, Author, The Plugged In Manager 🎤 Sam Caucci, Founder & CEO, 1Huddle 🎤 Wendy Melendez, Vice President of Programs, La Casa de Don Pedro 🎤 Luis Ulerio, Director, @Newark Office of Homeless Services 🎤 Jeff Olivet, Director, U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) Homelessness 🎤 Vincent Reina, Professor of Urban Economics and Planning, Founder and Faculty Director of the Housing Initiative at University of Pennsylvania 🎤 Jonathan Tew, Regulatory Officer, NJ Medicaid 🎤 Dan Treglia, Instructor, Rutgers Center for State Health Policy 🎤 Teri E. Lassiter, Assistant Dean for Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion for Education Rutgers School of Public Health 🎤 Corina Lelutiu-Weinberger, Associate Professor of Health Sciences Research, Columbia University School of Nursing 🎤 Diana Candelejo, MPA, Assistant Vice President, FQHC Relations, RWJBarnabas Health, Community Health 🎤 Erin Comollo, Ed.D, Family & Community Health Cooperative Sciences Program Development Administrator 🎤 Amanda Medina-Forrester, Executive Director, Office of Minority and Multicultural Health, NJDOH 🎤 PAMELA ROTHPLETZ-PUGLIA, Associate Professor, Rutgers School of Health Professions, Department of Interdisciplinary Studies 🎤 Mariam Merced, Director, Community Health Promotion - RWJBarnabas Health 🎤 Diane Hill, Assistant Chancellor, University Community Partnerships, Rutgers University - Newark 🎤 Prabhas Moghe, Executive Vice President for University Academic Affairs at Rutgers University 🎤 Jean-Pierre Brutus, Senior Counsel, Economic Justice Program, New Jersey Institute for Social Justice 🎤 Reverend Dr. Robin Tanner, Executive Director of Beacon Hope and Equity Center 🎤 Charlene Walker, FAITH IN NEW JERSEY INC 🎤 Davarian Baldwin, Author of In The Shadow of the Ivory Tower; Paul E. Raether Distinguished Professor of American Studies, Trinity College
We're thrilled to announce Part 1 of our incredible speaker lineup for the REACH Symposium, happening in just three weeks! 🎉 Stay tuned for Part 2, announced tomorrow. Join us on April 9, 2025, as these inspiring community leaders, researchers, and change-makers come together to connect, learn, and grow together. 🔗 Register now to secure your spot: https://lnkd.in/e3X5ZcUu #RutgersREACH #Healthequity #PovertybyAmerica #SocialJustice 🎤 Denise Rodgers, Vice Chancellor Interprofessional Programs Director- Rutgers Urban Health and Wellness Institute 🎤Jonathan Holloway, President, Rutgers University 🎤Jackie Bavaro - Senior Program Manager, New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate 🎤Jeanine Cava, New Jersey Food Democracy Collaborative 🎤Rucha Gadre, New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) 🎤Cara L. Cuite, Ph.D. Associate Extension Specialist/ Associate Professor 🎤 Sara Elnakib, PhD, MPH, RD Department Chair/Associate Professor; Department of Family & Community Health Sciences, Rutgers Cooperative Extension 🎤 Lorraine Minnite, Associate Professor Rutgers University - Camden 🎤 Ronsha Dickerson, Executive Director, @Camden Parent and Student Union Student Union 🎤 Stephanie Hoopes, National Director, United Way of Northern New Jersey ALICE 🎤 Mary Celis CEO, United Way of Passaic County 🎤 Kevin Callaghan, Newark Liaison, Council of New Jersey Grantmakers 🎤 Margaret Koller, Executive Director, Rutgers Center for State Health Policy 🎤Yarrow Willman-Cole, New Jersey Citizen Action (NJCA) 🎤Robert Asaro-Angelo, Commissioner, Professional Services Group at NJ Department of Labor & Workforce Development 🎤Lasheema Sanders Edwards BS, MS,CPRS, Collaborative Support Programs of NJ 🎤John J. Sarno Esq., Distinguished Executive in Residence, Rutgers Institute for Corporate Social Innovation 🎤 Kathe Newman, Professor, Urban Planning and Policy Development Development, Rutgers University Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy; Director, Ralph W. Voorhees Center for Civic Engagement 🎤 Rafael E. Pérez-Figueroa, MD, MPH, Associate Dean, Community Engagement and Public Health Practice - Rutgers School of Public Health 🎤 Nora Hyland, Associate Dean, Rutgers Graduate School of Education Education 🎤 Chet Spell, Professor – Management, Rutgers Camden School of Business
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We're thrilled to announce Part 1 of our incredible speaker lineup for the REACH Symposium, happening in just three weeks! 🎉 Stay tuned for Part 2, announced tomorrow. Join us on April 9, 2025, as these inspiring community leaders, researchers, and change-makers come together to connect, learn, and grow together. 🔗 Register now to secure your spot: https://lnkd.in/e3X5ZcUu #RutgersREACH #Healthequity #PovertybyAmerica #SocialJustice 🎤 Denise Rodgers, Vice Chancellor Interprofessional Programs Director- Rutgers Urban Health and Wellness Institute 🎤Jonathan Holloway, President, Rutgers University 🎤Jackie Bavaro - Senior Program Manager, New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate 🎤Jeanine Cava, New Jersey Food Democracy Collaborative 🎤Rucha Gadre, New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) 🎤Cara L. Cuite, Ph.D. Associate Extension Specialist/ Associate Professor 🎤 Sara Elnakib, PhD, MPH, RD Department Chair/Associate Professor; Department of Family & Community Health Sciences, Rutgers Cooperative Extension 🎤 Lorraine Minnite, Associate Professor Rutgers University - Camden 🎤 Ronsha Dickerson, Executive Director, @Camden Parent and Student Union Student Union 🎤 Stephanie Hoopes, National Director, United Way of Northern New Jersey ALICE 🎤 Mary Celis CEO, United Way of Passaic County 🎤 Kevin Callaghan, Newark Liaison, Council of New Jersey Grantmakers 🎤 Margaret Koller, Executive Director, Rutgers Center for State Health Policy 🎤Yarrow Willman-Cole, New Jersey Citizen Action (NJCA) 🎤Robert Asaro-Angelo, Commissioner, Professional Services Group at NJ Department of Labor & Workforce Development 🎤Lasheema Sanders Edwards BS, MS,CPRS, Collaborative Support Programs of NJ 🎤John J. Sarno Esq., Distinguished Executive in Residence, Rutgers Institute for Corporate Social Innovation 🎤 Kathe Newman, Professor, Urban Planning and Policy Development Development, Rutgers University Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy; Director, Ralph W. Voorhees Center for Civic Engagement 🎤 Rafael E. Pérez-Figueroa, MD, MPH, Associate Dean, Community Engagement and Public Health Practice - Rutgers School of Public Health 🎤 Nora Hyland, Associate Dean, Rutgers Graduate School of Education Education 🎤 Chet Spell, Professor – Management, Rutgers Camden School of Business
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This week's #FridayFundingFeature is for the National Library of Medicine Information Resource Grants to Reduce Health Disparities and Promote Health Equity This initiative seeks projects to provide accurate, useful, usable, and understandable health information to populations that experience health disparities and their health care providers. Projects should emphasize the development and deployment of new information or expand and improve an existing resource or service to meet the needs of populations experiencing health disparities and to promote health equity. Applications are due May 25, 2025. Learn more about this opportunity and more: https://lnkd.in/eUz377HJ #fundingopportunities #healthequity #healthdisparities #grantfunding
Congratulations to REACH grantee, Sara Elnakib, PhD, MPH, RD, on the well-deserved recognition for her impactful work advocating for food access and security, reducing food waste, and creating sustainable changes at the local levels. You are an inspirational example of pairing research with community partnership to change systems.
I’m incredibly humbled to be named one of Today's Dietitian Magazine’s TD10—an annual list recognizing dietitians who are making an impact in the field. This recognition is especially meaningful because of its emphasis on mentorship—something I deeply value in my work with students, colleagues, and community partners. My journey in public health nutrition has been driven by a passion for food security, food waste reduction, and systems-level change. It’s a privilege to work alongside so many inspiring individuals who are committed to building a more sustainable and equitable food system. A huge thank you to Today's Dietitian Magazine for this recognition and to all the mentors, colleagues, and students who continue to challenge and inspire me every day. This honor is a reflection of the collective work we do together. Let’s keep pushing for a future where everyone has access to nourishing food—and where no food goes to waste. 🌍🍎 A special Thank You to my colleague and mentor Dr. Karen Ensle for nominating me for this honor. #TD10 #Mentorship #FoodSecurity #FoodWaste #PublicHealthNutrition #NationalNutritionMonth #RDNDay https://lnkd.in/ec6uhFX3
Don't miss hearing Matthew Desmond, Pulitzer Prize-winning author, and MacArthur "Genius," live on April 9, 2025, at the REACH Poverty Symposium! The day will be accessible from Newark, Camden, and New Brunswick, and all attendees will get an autographed copy of his must-read book, Poverty, By America. Registration is free but limited. Save your spot today!: https://lnkd.in/eGMp-arP "This is who we are: the richest country on earth, with more poverty than any other advanced democracy." https://lnkd.in/eWMS2D6N #matthewdesmond #Rutgers University Rutgers University - Camden Rutgers University - Newark Rutgers University #socialdeterminantsofhealth #healthequity
#FridayFundingFeature is an opportunity from our funder, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Share and tag your local, qualified community-based organizations. Systems for Action: Community-Led Systems Research to Address Systemic Racism This Robert Wood Johnson Foundation call for proposals will provide funding for a new cohort of community-led pilot studies to produce new, actionable evidence about how to help medical, social, and public health systems work together to address forms of systemic racism. Priority is placed on systems alignment intervention that have broad applicability. A community-based organization must be the applicant. Applications are due June 4, 2025. Learn more and apply: https://lnkd.in/ewYjNVsh #healthequity #publichealthsystems #fundingopportunity #grantfunding #addressingsystemicracism #sdoh #socialdeterminants
We are excited to invite you to Poverty, Equity, and Their Influencing Factors, a REACH Symposium. Please join us for a day of candid conversations to engage the Rutgers community, community partners, leaders and members, and external stakeholders, including funders and policymakers, in a candid conversation around poverty and its influencing factors. Sessions will feature panel discussions and presentations by Rutgers faculty and researchers, community leaders, and others that center around the key social determinants upon which REACH’s work is focused – education, employment, food access and food security, housing and population health – and their interconnectedness with racial justice, poverty and health. Registration is Free, but limited: https://lnkd.in/e3X5ZcUu #sdoh #socialdeterminantsofhealth #matthewdesmond #healthequity Rutgers University Rutgers University - Camden Rutgers University - Newark Rutgers University Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy