Advancing Health Equity

Reimagining public health services with a focus on community health equity, particularly for marginalized and underserved communities.

WEI

Wellness Equity Institute (WEI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a core mission of reimagining the delivery of population and public health services, with a primary emphasis on community health equity. We believe that systems must ensure equitable access, particularly in addressing the needs of historically marginalized and underserved communities.

WEI Functions

  • WEI conducts thorough evaluations of community health landscapes, identifying gaps in healthcare access, outcomes, and resources, especially in marginalized populations. These assessments guide targeted interventions and policy recommendations to address disparities.

  • WEI offers 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.

  • WEI fosters 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.

  • WEI designs and implements public health programs tailored to the specific needs of underserved communities. These programs address barriers to healthcare access, improve health literacy, and promote equitable health outcomes through innovative approaches.

  • WEI conducts research on public health policies affecting marginalized communities, providing data-driven insights and recommendations to policymakers. Advocacy efforts aim to influence legislation and policy decisions that promote health equity at local, state, and national levels.

Board of Directors

Ricky N. Bluthenthal, PhD

Associate Dean for Social Justice at Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California

Judith Feinberg MD, FIDSA

Vice Chair, Research & Professor, Infectious Diseases at West Virginia University

Dominique McDowell, CAS1/RLPS

Director of Substance Abuse and Homeless Services of the Marin City Health and Wellness Center

Hawthorne Smith, PhD

Program Director at Bellevue/NYU Program for Survivors of Torture

Jim Withers, MD

Medical Director at Operation Safety Net/Street Medicine Institute