Posts in 'Systems Change'

As we edge closer to the one-year anniversary of the pandemic, I’ve been reflecting on the ways that our social safety net system is being challenged to not just return to normal, but to lead a paradigm shift in how we conceptualize a healthy community. Our country’s “normal” includes systemic...

If babies born to Black women in Montgomery County had the same infant mortality rate as babies born to white women, then 61% of Black infant deaths could be prevented. This shocking call to action is the impetus behind Montco Mamas, a public-private collaboration and 2021 HealthSpark Innovation Lab...

HealthSpark Foundation recognizes its role in advancing racial and social justice opportunities for all people- in both word and action. We understand that the roots of inequity run deep in our society, and we strive, with our philanthropic and community partners, to fully understand our own roles...

Posted on behalf of Russell Johnson, President and CEO HealthSpark Foundation is pleased to offer tuition support for up to 10 Montgomery County community leaders who apply and are accepted to participate in the 2020 Greater Philadelphia Leadership Exchange (GPLEX) Conference. This year’s GPLEX...

By Russell Johnson, President and CEO Earlier this month, after years of advocacy work, the United State Supreme Court issued a ruling protecting LGBTQ+ people from workplace discrimination. It was a long overdue ruling. The ruling resonates personally for me. I serve as president of a private...

Together with forty-one community partners, HealthSpark Foundation has launched an effort to rebuild the social safety net post-pandemic called Build Back Better. Partner organizations, which represent nonprofit safety net providers, universities, faith groups, advocacy groups, elected officials...

The murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and the ensuing protests are the manifestation of the deep, longstanding pain of racism in our country. Frustration, anger, and violence at this scale happen when peaceful forms of protest aren’t listened to, when calls for action and...