Dear Friend,
We are pleased to share a few significant highlights from 2023 and to feature the Inaugural Housing and Health Summit, an Exceptional Leader We Invest In, and three newly appointed members of our Board of Directors.
In the past year, The Foundation advanced health equity as an investor, catalyst, facilitator, and convener, leaving an indelible mark on the health and well-being of South Floridians.
The Foundation established four health equity collaboratives, bringing together more than 27 health systems, health plans, and community-based organizations building programs to advance health equity. Together, these collaboratives are making progress on improving black maternal health outcomes in Miami Dade and Broward Counties, increasing access to maternal health care in Monroe County, and better managing chronic conditions in vulnerable individuals being cared for by Federally Qualified Health Center collaborative members. These multi-year initiatives have been designed to reduce health disparities by addressing the social determinants of health and ensuring accessible healthcare through these pilot projects.
Because of the intrinsic connection between health and economic well-being, the Foundation’s catalytic support for the South Florida Anchor Alliance Regional Marketplace enabled the launch of an online marketplace to foster equitable procurement and to increase spending on local, small, minority-owned businesses by our community’s largest Anchor institutions. With 11 Anchor members and over 1,100 local vendors participating in the pilot project, the web-based portal matches procurement opportunities with qualified small and minority-owned vendors. The Foundation is grateful for the procurement leaders at Broward Health System, Broward County, Miami-Dade County, Jackson Health System, University of Miami, Florida International University, Broward County Public Schools, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Broward College, City of Miami and UHealth who have been building and promoting the Regional Marketplace.
Additionally, The Foundation increased its support for Black-led organizations by investing in programs and capacity building to support leaders and programs tackling health, social, and economic justice issues that are barriers to community health and well-being. Community-driven initiatives include the Circle of Brotherhood’s Peacemakers Program addressing neighborhood violence and trauma, the City of Lauderhill’s powerful Prosperity Partnership program, Dr. Armen Henderson’s Street Medicine program in Liberty City, and LifeNet4 Families Parking Lot Project serving recently homeless families are amongst our recent investments.
As we carry the momentum forward, we applaud and recognize the more than 51 organizations currently funded by the Foundation and the countless partners we have joined in our shared pursuit for a healthier, more equitable future for South Florida.
Thank you for being an integral part of this empowering journey. Together, we will continue to make a lasting impact in our community.
Sincerely,
Loreen Chant
CEO, Health Foundation of South Florida
