We work with health systems and their community-based partners to identify, test and spread innovative practices that have the potential for scale and sustainability. We prioritize models that build capacity to provide essential health and social services with special attention to vulnerable and low-income populations. We know that by providing access to culturally appropriate care — at the right time and place — health improves and disparities are reduced.

We advance programs and policies that promote healthy lifestyles and address social determinants of health. We create opportunities for collaboration to meet community needs and ensure local voices inform improvements. We prioritize data collection and sharing so that partners are better equipped to identify opportunities and target interventions.

Additionally, Health Care may recommend support for infrastructure that advances work across both strategies.

Access to essential health care services is critical to good health, yet vulnerable populations in the Carolinas face a variety of barriers. We are interested in supporting access-expanding projects for underserved populations. Health Care also funds 30 AccessHealth networks (by invitation only) to increase access to essential services for low-income uninsured adults.

Significant health disparities fuel poor maternal and infant health outcomes. Health Care will support evidence-based programs and models that prioritize reducing health disparities and improving maternal and infant health outcomes.

Research has shown that early identification and treatment of mental health conditions can significantly improve overall health and well-being. The Endowment is interested in supporting models of care that increase access to quality mental health services and prevention programs with a specific emphasis on pediatric mental health care.

Millions of adults and children do not receive essential oral health services each year, leading to poor health outcomes and lower quality of life. To broaden access to care and reduce oral health disparities in children, The Duke Endowment is helping school-based oral health programs (by invitation only) expand, including investments in advocacy and policy reform efforts.

Research suggests environmental factors and personal behaviors carry a far more significant impact on population health outcomes than clinical care. These social determinants of health hold the keys to addressing America’s high rates of obesity and chronic disease. Our Healthy People, Healthy Carolinas initiative uses regional community coalitions to help address these upstream drivers of health.

Given the many efforts underway to improve population health and reduce disparities in health outcomes, there is a need for a community-based workforce that serves as a liaison between health care, social services and the community, including individuals with relevant lived experience, such as community health workers.