NEWS & EVENTS 
The Root Cause Coalition Stands in Solidarity Against Racism
June 04, 2020
The Root Cause Coalition stands solidly with all black Americans as our nation confronts, with honesty, the systemic racism that prevents individuals – and thus our entire country – from reaching their full potential. The recent criminal and horrific acts that ended the lives of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor are unacceptable, asRead More > >
TRCC Voices Support for Families First Coronavirus Response Act
March 13, 2020
In the midst of the growing Coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic, The Root Cause Coalition sent a letter to House leadership to voice our support for the passage of H.R. 6201, a broad funding bill introduced in response to COVID-19 and also known as the Families First Coronavirus Act. In the letter, we encourage the swift passageRead More > >
The Root Cause Coalition Weekly Bulletin: Monday,March 9, 2020
March 11, 2020
This weekly bulletin is provided by The Root Cause Coalition to disseminate news and information on the social determinants of health, as well as program specific activities of the Coalition. View The Root Cause Coalition’s Weekly Bulletin Here: 3-9-20 The Root Cause Coalition Weekly Bulletin
The Root Cause Coalition Weekly Bulletin: Monday, February 24, 2020
February 25, 2020
TRCC News and upcoming events This Wednesday: 2020 Status of Health Equity Report Launch The Coalition invites you to join us for the formal release of The Root Cause Coalition 2020 Status of Health Equity Report on February 26th from 8-10:30 a.m. at the National Press Club’s Holeman Lounge located at 529 14thRead More > >
2020 Status of Health Equity: How Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota Creates a Health Equity Culture
February 18, 2020
For years, health delivery in the United States has prioritized disease prevention, without considering the role social determinants play in how diseases spread. In order to have a significant impact on long-term health conditions and not just disease prevention, we must consider factors such as transgenerational poverty, economic stability, safe and accessible housing, food security,Read More > >
The Root Cause Coalition Weekly Bulletin: Tuesday, February 18, 2020
February 18, 2020
TRCC NEWS AND UPCOMING EVENTS Webinar: How To Design a CBO Capacity-Building Initiative to Meet Demand for Social Services Join The Root Cause Coalition, Collaborative Consulting and the Marin Community Foundation February 24, 2020 from 1-2 p.m. EST for this presentation on how to develop capacity building initiatives to meet the growing need forRead More > >
The Root Cause Coalition Weekly Bulletin: Monday, February 10, 2020
February 11, 2020
TRCC News and Upcoming Events Webinar: How To Design a CBO Capacity-Building Initiative to Meet Demand for Social Services Join The Root Cause Coalition, Collaborative Consulting, and the Marin Community Foundation Feb 24, 2020 from 1-2 p.m. EST for this presentation on how to develop capacity building initiatives to meet growing need for social service programs. ThisRead More > >
2020 Status of Health Equity: Financial Security is a Social Determinant of Health
February 10, 2020
To be financially healthy can mean paying your bills on time, having a savings account and managing debt — steps an individual could take that may arguably impact wellness and peace of mind. But achieving equitable financial health, a state where all individuals have a fair and just opportunity to be financially comfortable, is aRead More > >
The Root Cause Coalition Weekly Bulletin: Monday, February 3, 2020
February 03, 2020
2020 Summit RFP Now Open The request for proposals to present at The Root Cause Coalition’s 5th Annual National Summit on the Social Determinants of Health, scheduled for October 4-6, 2020 in Kansas City, Missouri, is now open. We invite you to submit a proposal to serve as a featured speaker, lead a breakout sessionRead More > >
2020 Status of Health Equity Report Launch
January 27, 2020
The Root Cause Coalition invites you to join us for the launch of the Coalition’s 2020 Status of Health Equity Report on February 26th from 8-10:30 a.m. at the National Press Club’s Holeman Lounge at 529 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C., 20045. The report captures the progress – as well as gaps – in addressingRead More > >
The Root Cause Coalition Weekly Bulletin: Monday, January 27, 2020
January 27, 2020
2020 Status of Health Equity Report The Coalition invites you to join us for the formal release of The Root Cause Coalition 2020 Status of Health Equity Report on February 26th from 8-10:30am at the National Press Club’s Holeman Lounge located at 529 14th St. NW, Washington DC, 20045. The Coalition’s 2020 Status ofRead More > >
The Root Cause Coalition Opposes SNAP ABAWD Rule
December 06, 2019
WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) issued its final rulemaking on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (FNS-2018-0004). Once again The Root Cause Coalition opposes this rule that will drastically increase the food insecurity of working individuals and families acrossRead More > >
Turning Theory Into Action: Built Environments to Build Community
November 21, 2019
After a boy was shot and killed in Washington D.C.’s Meridian Hill/Malcom X Park, local residents in the area were told by police to stay secluded in their homes and avoid the park at all costs. Though this incident was one of hundreds of killings that had occurred in the D.C. area, local resident SteveRead More > >
Domestic Violence: A Lifelong Intervention — 2019 National Summit
November 14, 2019
On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner, meaning more than 10 million Americans are victims of physical assault in just one year. Over 4 million children a year are exposed to some form of physical violence in their homes, and African Americans and Latinos are more likely toRead More > >
BLOG: Hunger Hits Rural Communities Harder: How A North Dakota Food Bank Fights it With More Than Food
November 13, 2019
Rural Health and Hunger: Why Should We Be Concerned? According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 46 million Americans reside in rural communities, yet there is a significant gap in the provision of health care services between those who live in urban versus rural areas. The Association of American Medical CollegesRead More > >
Why Organic Practice is Health Equity: 2019 National Summit
November 06, 2019
We understand that we need food to survive and we understand healthy food improves our health, but we don’t always discuss where our food comes from and how that impacts our health. Kelly Damewood, CEO of California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and presenters at the Root Cause Coalition’s Fourth Annual National Summit on the SocialRead More > >
2019 National Summit: Shenandoah Chefalo on Trauma and Intentional Resilience
November 01, 2019
In the United States, 61 percent of men and 51 percent of women have reported exposure to at least one traumatic event in their lifetime, and more than 66 percent of children report at least one traumatic event by age 16. As a risk factor for behavioral health and substance abuse, trauma impacts an individual’sRead More > >
Presenter Spotlight: 2019 National Summit
October 11, 2019
Vincent Wong, Director of Community Services, City of Gastonia Our Presenter Spotlight Series highlights the dozens of leaders dedicated to achieving health equity who will present their ideas at the 2019 National Summit on the Social Determinants of Health in San Diego, Calif. on Oct. 20-22nd. In order to learn more about careers in theRead More > >
STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP SPOTLIGHT: 2019 NATIONAL SUMMIT
October 07, 2019
Katrina Dorse, Community Outreach and Marketing Intern, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital and Founder and Executive Director, Big Heart Fund In our mission to invest in the next generation of health equity leaders, this year we awarded 25 scholarships to students and working professionals so that they may attend the 2019 National Summit on the SocialRead More > >
PRESENTER SPOTLIGHT: 2019 NATIONAL SUMMIT
October 03, 2019
Esther Liew, Food for Change Health Partnerships Coordinator, Houston Food Bank Our Presenter Spotlight Series highlights the dozens of leaders dedicated to achieving health equity who will present their ideas at the 2019 National Summit on the Social Determinants of Health in San Diego, Calif. on Oct. 20-22nd. In order to learn more about careers inRead More > >
Student Scholarship Spotlight: 2019 National Summit
October 01, 2019
Molly Johnson, MSN, APRN-CPNP, Associate Professor of Nursing, Coordinator of Program Assessment and Evaluation, Ohio University School of Nursing In our mission to invest in the next generation of health equity leaders, this year we awarded 25 scholarships to students and working professionals so that they may attend the 2019 National Summit on the SocialRead More > >
Presenter Spotlight: 2019 National Summit
September 27, 2019
Aliza Sir, Director of Income Security, AARP Foundation Our Presenter Spotlight Series highlights the dozens of leaders dedicated to achieving health equity who will present their ideas at the 2019 National Summit on the Social Determinants of Health in San Diego, Calif. on Oct. 20-22nd. Vulnerable populations age 50 and older are often overlooked whenRead More > >
Student Scholarship Spotlight: 2019 National Summit
September 26, 2019
Jonas Attilus, MD, MPH candidate In our mission to invest in the next generation of health equity leaders, this year we awarded 25 scholarships to students and working professionals so that they may attend the 2019 National Summit on the Social Determinants of Health in San Diego, Calif. Oct. 20-22. Our Scholarship Spotlight Series highlightsRead More > >
Presenter Spotlight: 2019 National Summit
September 18, 2019
Kelly Bruno, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Health Foundation Our Presenter Spotlight Series highlights the dozens of leaders in the movement to build health equity who will present their ideas at the 2019 National Summit on the Social Determinants of Health in San Diego, Calif. Register now to reserve your place at the Summit. AddressingRead More > >
Turning Theory Into Action: Service to End Senior Hunger
September 16, 2019
The AARP Foundation Meal Pack Challenge is a day of service where local volunteers come together to pack 1 million nutritious meals for seniors experiencing hunger. For the last 5 years, over 3,000 members of the Washington, D.C. community have gathered on the National Mall to join in the foundation’s mission to help end seniorRead More > >
Presenter Spotlight: 2019 National Summit
September 13, 2019
Danielle Price, Director, Community Health Engagement, University Hospitals Our Presenter Spotlight Series highlights the dozens of leaders in the movement to build health equity who will present their ideas at the 2019 National Summit on the Social Determinants of Health in San Diego, Calif. Register now to reserve your place at the Summit! Ohio is one ofRead More > >
Turning Theory Into Action: Food’s Healing Capabilities
September 09, 2019
The Root Cause Coalition is inspired by the work our Partners and Members do to address health equity in their communities. Houston Food Bank’s Food Rx, or food prescription, program allows individuals access to designated markets where they can select 30 pounds of free fruits and vegetables and other healthy items twice a month. This programRead More > >
BLOG: Nutritious Food Is A Medical Intervention
September 05, 2019
Achieving nutritional equity means providing all communities with opportunities to access and learn about healthy food, allowing nutritious meals to be seamlessly incorporated into our diets. Everyone deserves the right to make healthful eating decisions and providing people with that opportunity must be an obligation of every community in the country. Those without opportunities toRead More > >
PRESENTER SPOTLIGHT: 2019 NATIONAL SUMMIT
September 04, 2019
Sarah L. Lechner, ESQ., Senior Vice President, Policy Development and Government Affairs, RWJBarnabas Health Our Presenter Spotlight Series highlights the dozens of leaders in the movement to build health equity who will present their ideas at the 2019 National Summit on the Social Determinants of Health in San Diego, Calif. Register now to reserve your place atRead More > >
Presenter Spotlight: 2019 National Summit
August 30, 2019
Vanessa Guzman, Associate Vice President, Quality & Network Management, Montefiore Health System Our Presenter Spotlight Series highlights the dozens of leaders in the movement to build health equity who will present their ideas at the 2019 National Summit on the Social Determinants of Health in San Diego, Calif. Register now to reserve your place atRead More > >
PRESENTER SPOTLIGHT: 2019 NATIONAL SUMMIT
August 21, 2019
Lauran Hardin, Senior Advisor, National Center for Complex Health and Social Needs Our Presenter Spotlight Series highlights the dozens of leaders in the movement to build health equity who will present their ideas at the 2019 National Summit on the Social Determinants of Health in San Diego, Calif. Register now to reserve your place atRead More > >
Turning Theory Into Action: Creating a Network to Fight Isolation
August 21, 2019
The Root Cause Coalition is inspired by the work our Partners and Members do to address health equity in their communities. Improving health requires collaboration and opportunities to network and connect in our communities. With research showing that isolation and loneliness are worse for health than obesity, AARP Foundation developed Connect2Affect: a collaborative effort to endRead More > >
Turning Theory Into Action: We Are Family Builds Community to Fight Isolation
August 19, 2019
Feelings of belonging and access to social support from the community have incredible health benefits. Those with opportunities to build sustainable relationships over time are happier and live longer than those who are less connected. In fact, “Good, close relationships appear to buffer us from the problems of getting old,” says Dr. Robert Waldinger, aRead More > >
PRESENTER SPOTLIGHT: 2019 NATIONAL SUMMIT
August 16, 2019
Ronda Alexander, Director of Operations- Project NOW, Boston Medical Center- The Vital Village Network Our Presenter Spotlight Series highlights the dozens of leaders dedicated to achieving health equity who will present their ideas at the 2019 National Summit on the Social Determinants of Health in San Diego, Calif on Oct. 20-22nd. Register now to reserve yourRead More > >
Presenter Spotlight: 2019 National Summit
August 08, 2019
Ami McReynolds, Chief Equity and Programs Officer, Feeding America Our Presenter Spotlight Series highlights the dozens of leaders dedicated to achieving health equity who will present their ideas at the 2019 National Summit on the Social Determinants of Health in San Diego, Calif. on Oct. 20-22nd. Register now to reserve your place at theRead More > >
Closing the Loop: Connecting Hunger and Healthcare
August 06, 2019
Despite having the largest economy in the world, millions of Americans experience food insecurity and hunger each day. Food insecurity is a condition assessed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that measures household-level economic and social conditions of limited or uncertain access to adequate food. Meanwhile, hunger is an individual-level physiological condition that results asRead More > >
PRESENTER SPOTLIGHT: 2019 NATIONAL SUMMIT
August 02, 2019
David Kulick, Co-Founder, Adaptation Health Our Presenter Spotlight Series highlights the dozens of leaders in the movement to build health equity who will present their ideas at the 2019 National Summit on the Social Determinants of Health in San Diego, Calif. Register now to reserve your place at the Summit! Financial security is an important socialRead More > >
Turning Theory Into Action: SMYAL Houses LGBTQ+ Youth With Dignity
July 31, 2019
As one of the most vital health needs, access to housing can be the catalyst for helping individuals escape poverty and live productive lives. The Corporation for Supportive Housing describes housing as “medicine,” constituting “one of the most basic and powerful social determinants of health,” which can dictate health trajectory. About 17 per every 10,000Read More > >
Turning Theory Into Action: How One Member is Helping Homeless LGBT Youth
July 30, 2019
The Root Cause Coalition is inspired by the work our Partners and Members do to address health equity in their communities. This year, our Partners at the Nonprofit Finance Fund (NFF) volunteered with Ali Forney Center (AFC), an organization providing services as well as transitional housing for LGBT homeless youth. Read about one NFF staffRead More > >
The Root Cause Coalition and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation present Learning Cohorts
July 29, 2019
The Root Cause Coalition is pleased to announce Learning Cohorts, a new initiative made possible with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, through which participants will learn and share best practices on addressing food and housing insecurity. We encourage health equity leaders to join these Cohorts, through whichRead More > >
The Root Cause Coalition Supports Equality in Medicare and Medicaid Treatment Act of 2019
July 26, 2019
WASHINGTON, DC – The Root Cause Coalition supports Congressman John Lewis’ Equality in Medicare and Medicaid Treatment Act of 2019 (H.R.3910). The bill would require the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) to test and implement new payment models that expand access to care, especially in regard to minority and rural communities. It wouldRead More > >
BLOG: An Investment in Us Is an Investment in Health Equity
July 02, 2019
An Investment in Us Is an Investment in Health Equity An individual’s zip code can indicate more about their potential health outcomes than their genetic code, emphasizing the role that social factors have on health and well-being. For example, The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies found that someone who lives in the poorestRead More > >
BLOG: What’s Racial Equity Have to Do with Health Equity?
June 12, 2019
What’s Racial Equity Have to Do with Health Equity? Achieving health equity inherently requires us to address racial equity. According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, “health equity means that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible… [and] requires removing obstacles to health such as poverty, discrimination, and theirRead More > >
BLOG: Cross-sector Partnerships: Developing Solutions from Untraditional Collaborations
May 28, 2019
Cross-sector Partnerships: Developing Solutions from Untraditional Collaborations “Innovative cross-sector partnerships” sounds just like another string of buzzwords, trite, overused, and only deemed relevant until the next new phrase catches on. The idea of needing cross-sector partnerships to achieve health equity is not a new concept, but one that needs dire attention and incorporation into moreRead More > >
Registration for the 2019 National Summit on the Social Determinants of Health Is Now Open
March 06, 2019
We are excited to announce that the website for our 4th Annual National Summit on the Social Determinants of Health has been launched and would like to officially invite you to register for this year’s event. This year’s National Summit will be held in San Diego, California on October 20-22, 2019. To emphasize the urgency ofRead More > >
The Root Cause Coalition Announces Request for Proposals for 2019 National Summit
January 31, 2019
Now that we are a month into 2019 we are excited to share more details about The Root Cause Coalition’s 4th Annual Summit on the Social Determinants of Health which is scheduled for October 20-22, 2019 in San Diego, California. To emphasize the urgency of the work being done to address health equity, the theme forRead More > >
The Root Cause Coalition Applauds Passage of 2018 Farm Bill
December 20, 2018
WASHINGTON, DC – The Root Cause Coalition applauds the passage of the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018, popularly known as the “Farm Bill.” The Farm Bill preserves food access for more than 40 million Americans—a critical bulwark against food insecurity and higher healthcare spending. The 2018 Farm Bill wisely excludes the stricter work requirementsRead More > >
New Research Collaboration Yields Insights into Food Insecurity among Medicaid Beneficiaries
October 09, 2018
WASHINGTON, DC —While Medicaid recipients express similar desires for their health as non-recipients, they are having a more difficult time achieving those outcomes, reporting far higher food insecurity, more health problems and greater stress about their food decisions than the general population. For the first time in the 13-year history of the International Food InformationRead More > >
Presenter Spotlight: 2018 National Summit
September 14, 2018
Andrea Chen Executive Director, Propeller Our Presenter Spotlight Series highlights the dozens of leaders in the movement to build health equity who will present their ideas at the 2018 National Summit on the Social Determinants of Health in New Orleans, LA. Register now to reserve your place at the Summit! Andrea Chen is the Co-Founder and ExecutiveRead More > >
Presenter Spotlight: 2018 National Summit
September 07, 2018
Heidi Margulis Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Humana Our Presenter Spotlight Series highlights the dozens of leaders in the movement to build health equity who will present their ideas at the 2018 National Summit on the Social Determinants of Health in New Orleans, LA. Register now to reserve your place at the Summit! Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Heidi Margulis leadsRead More > >
The Root Cause Coalition Welcomes Food & Friends as Newest Member
September 04, 2018
WASHINGTON, DC – The Root Cause Coalition welcomed Food & Friends as its newest member and 14th new addition since January 1st, 2018. Located in Washington, D.C., Food & Friends delivers nutritionally-tailored, delicious meals directly to its clients’ homes. The organization’s mission is to improve the lives and health of people with HIV/AIDS, cancer andRead More > >
Presenter Spotlight: 2018 National Summit
August 29, 2018
Dr. John R. Lumpkin Senior Vice President – Program, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Our Presenter Spotlight Series highlights the dozens of leaders in the movement to build health equity who will present their ideas at the 2018 National Summit on the Social Determinants of Health in New Orleans, LA. Register now to reserve your placeRead More > >
The Root Cause Coalition Issues Advocacy Letter to Farm Bill Conferees
August 21, 2018
Below is the text of an advocacy letter sent by The Root Cause Coalition to the nine members from the Senate and 47 members from the House who comprise the Farm Bill Conference Committee. Dear Conference Committee Member, On behalf of The Root Cause Coalition, I am writing to express our strong support for provisions inRead More > >
Presenter Spotlight: 2018 National Summit
August 14, 2018
Lisa Marsh Ryerson President, AARP Foundation Our Presenter Spotlight Series highlights the dozens of leaders in the movement to build health equity who will present their ideas at the 2018 National Summit on the Social Determinants of Health in New Orleans, LA. Register now to reserve your place at the Summit! Lisa Marsh Ryerson isRead More > >
Presenter Spotlight: 2018 National Summit
August 06, 2018
Drs. Sampson Davis, Rameck Hunt and George Jenkins Our Presenter Spotlight Series highlights the dozens of leaders in the movement to build health equity who will present their ideas at the 2018 National Summit on the Social Determinants of Health in New Orleans, LA. Register now to reserve your place at the Summit! Drs. SampsonRead More > >
The Root Cause Coalition Welcomes Communities of Excellence 2026 as Newest Member
August 02, 2018
WASHINGTON, DC – The Root Cause Coalition welcomed Communities of Excellence 2026 as its newest member and 13th new addition since January 1st, 2018. Communities of Excellence 2026 assists communities in implementing the Communities of Excellence Framework that is adapted from a validated systems-improvement framework—Baldrige—that improves the health status, educational attainment and economic vitality ofRead More > >
Presenter Spotlight: 2018 National Summit
July 31, 2018
Dr. Karen DeSalvo, MD, MPH Professor of Medicine and Population Health, University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School Former Acting Assistant Secretary for Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Our Presenter Spotlight Series highlights the dozens of leaders in the movement to build health equity who will present their ideas at theRead More > >
The Root Cause Coalition Welcomes Mid-Ohio Foodbank as Newest Member
July 25, 2018
WASHINGTON, DC – The Root Cause Coalition welcomed Mid-Ohio Foodbank as its newest member and 12th new addition since January 1st, 2018. Mid-Ohio Foodbank, the largest hunger-relief organization in Ohio, develops and implements innovative strategies and solutions to ending hunger, focusing on “Food is Health” and a client-centered community response as well as income andRead More > >
The Root Cause Coalition Welcomes Houston Food Bank as Newest Member
July 24, 2018
WASHINGTON, DC – The Root Cause Coalition welcomed the Houston Food Bank as its newest member, bringing the Coalition’s total membership to 54 organizations. Founded in 1982, the Houston Food Bank is a solution to both hunger and food waste. In the year following Hurricane Harvey, Houston Food Bank distributed 122 million nutritious meals throughRead More > >
Presenter Spotlight: 2018 National Summit
July 23, 2018
Dr. Timothy Harlan, MD Associate Dean for Clinical Services, Tulane University School of Medicine Executive Director, Goldring Center for Culinary Medicine This is the first in a series of posts highlighting dozens of leaders in the movement to build health equity who will present their ideas at the 2018 National Summit on the Social DeterminantsRead More > >
The Root Cause Coalition Welcomes Credit Adjustments, Inc. as Newest Member
June 21, 2018
WASHINGTON, DC – The Root Cause Coalition welcomed Credit Adjustments, Inc. (CAI) as its newest member, bringing the Coalition’s total membership to 53 organizations. An industry leader specializing in health care and higher education accounts receivable management, CAI follows the motto: Delivering Respect. Collecting Results. One of only 11 small businesses nationally, CAI was awardedRead More > >
Member Spotlight: Improving Health Outcomes While Curbing Costs with Medically Tailored Meals
June 13, 2018
On May 9th, 2018, the Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation (CHLPI) at Harvard Law School, an inaugural partner of The Root Cause Coalition, hosted the Food is Medicine Coalition, Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition Science & Policy, and the House Hunger Caucus’ Food is Medicine Working Group for a panel discussion on improving health outcomes and curbingRead More > >
The Root Cause Coalition Welcomes Enterprise Community Partners as Newest Member
June 05, 2018
WASHINGTON, DC – The Root Cause Coalition welcomed Enterprise Community Partners (Enterprise) as its newest member, bringing the Coalition’s total membership to 52 organizations. Enterprise is a powerful and proven nonprofit that makes well-designed homes affordable and creates communities where people thrive, with connections to resources like health care, schools, jobs and transportation. To date,Read More > >
The Root Cause Coalition Welcomes Center for Population Health at Cheshire Medical Center as Newest Member
June 04, 2018
WASHINGTON, DC – The Root Cause Coalition welcomed the Center for Population Health (CPH) at Cheshire Medical Center as its newest member, bringing the Coalition’s total membership to 51 organizations. Located in Keene, New Hampshire, Cheshire Medical Center is a nonprofit community medical center and member of the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health system. Cheshire Medical Center providesRead More > >
National Summit Update: Third Day Added to Agenda
May 14, 2018
The Root Cause Coalition announced the addition of a third day to the Third Annual National Summit on the Social Determinants of Health. Due to the overwhelming interest from potential speakers, educators and researchers, the summit will now officially begin at 12:00 noon CST on Sunday, October 7th (pre-conference registration opens at 11:00 a.m.). TheRead More > >
The Root Cause Coalition Opposes House Version of 2018 Farm Bill
May 08, 2018
WASHINGTON, DC – The Root Cause Coalition opposes the current House version of the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018, popularly known as the “Farm Bill.” The bill contains several provisions that, taken together, would eliminate a nutritional lifeline for millions of Americans who would be removed from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). TheRead More > >
The Root Cause Coalition Celebrates Addition of Fiftieth New Member
May 07, 2018
WASHINGTON, DC – The Root Cause Coalition recently celebrated the addition of its 50th new member, punctuating two-and-a-half years of remarkable growth for the nonprofit, member-driven organization. The Coalition’s rapid expansion speaks to the urgency of its mission: to reverse and end the systemic root causes of health inequities for individuals and communities through cross-sectorRead More > >
The Root Cause Coalition Welcomes Aetna as Newest Member
April 23, 2018
WASHINGTON, DC – The Root Cause Coalition welcomed Aetna as its newest member since January 1, 2018, bringing the Coalition’s total membership to 50 organizations. Founded in 1853 in Hartford, CT, Aetna is committed to building a healthier world by helping people achieve their health ambitions and helping to address barriers that affect the healthRead More > >
The Root Cause Coalition Issues Public Comment on Proposed Expansion of SNAP Work Requirements
April 09, 2018
WASHINGTON, DC – The Root Cause Coalition issued a letter of public comment on the Food and Nutrition Services’ (FNS) Advanced Notice on proposed rule-making regarding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Requirements and Services for Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents (FNS-2018-0004). The letter urges FNS Administrator Brandon Lipps to consider the positive effects of the SupplementalRead More > >
The Root Cause Coalition Welcomes New Partner Fairview Health Services
April 02, 2018
WASHINGTON, DC – The Root Cause Coalition welcomed Fairview Health Services as the Coalition’s newest partner and sixth new member since January 1, 2018. Fairview Health Services is an award-winning, nonprofit integrated health care system based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Founded in 1906, Fairview provides exceptional health care to patients and communities as one of theRead More > >
The Root Cause Coalition and Alliance for Strong Families and Communities Form Partnership to Link Healthcare and Human Services Sectors
March 28, 2018
WASHINGTON, DC – The Root Cause Coalition and the Alliance for Strong Families and Communities today announced that both organizations will become formal members of the other’s network. Through this effort, the two organizations will build on their mutual missions and demonstrate effective ways – in both practice and policy – to improve health outcomesRead More > >
The Root Cause Coalition Welcomes New Partner Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation
March 10, 2018
WASHINGTON, DC – The Root Cause Coalition welcomed the Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation as the Coalition’s newest partner and fourth new member since January 1st, 2018. The Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation supports pediatric research, education, community benefit programs and other initiatives that improve the health of children in Michigan. “The Root CauseRead More > >
The Root Cause Coalition Issues Public Comment on Changes to Medicare Advantage
March 06, 2018
WASHINGTON, DC – The Root Cause Coalition issued a letter of public comment on the Center for Medicare and Medicaid’s (CMS) Advance Notice of Methodological Changes for Calendar Year 2019 for Medicare Advantage (MA) Capitation Rates, Part C and Part D Payment Policies and 2019 draft Call Letter. The letter applauds a proposed change thatRead More > >
The Root Cause Coalition Applauds Release of Report on Food Insecurity Coding in Healthcare
February 21, 2018
WASHINGTON, DC – The Root Cause Coalition applauds the release of a new report from the Hunger Vital Sign Community of Practice on food insecurity coding in healthcare. The report, entitled, An Overview of Food Insecurity Coding in Health Care Settings: Existing and Emerging Opportunities, reviews existing and emerging opportunities to document food insecurity screening,Read More > >
Root Cause Coalition Releases Details on Second Annual Summit
June 06, 2017
Becker’s Hospital Review, June 5, 2017, Brian Zimmerman
Coalition Targets Root Causes of Health Disparities
February 16, 2017
MiraMed Blog, February 15, 2017, Neda Ryan
What Makes a Healthy Life? A wrap-up of the First National Summit on Social Determinants of Health
February 09, 2017
Hospitals and Health Networks, February 9, 2017, Laurie Larson
‘No One Should Go Hungry’: How the Root Cause Coalition is Working to Change Healthcare’s Priorities
December 21, 2016
Becker’s Hospital Review, December 19, 2016, Brian Zimmerman
AHA CEO Rick Pollack: How to Redefine the Hospital for the Future
December 19, 2016
Becker’s Hospital Review, December 16, 2016, Emily Rappleye
Surgeon General: Entire Community Needs to Tackle Social Factors of Health
December 15, 2016
Modern Healthcare, December 6, 2016, Steven Ross Johnson
Urban League CEO Morial: Social, Economic Equity are ‘Inextricably Linked’ to Health
December 15, 2016
Hospitals and Health Networks, December 14, 2016, Laurie Larson
Addressing Social Determinants of Health: 3 Considerations from US Surgeon General
December 15, 2016
Becker’s Hospital Review, December 08, 2016, Tamara Rosin
4 Essential Considerations When Addressing Social Determinants of Health
December 15, 2016
Becker’s Hospital Review, December 07, 2016, Tamara Rosin
Surgeon General Pledges Support to Root Cause Coalition
December 09, 2016
Hospitals and Health Networks December 9, 2016, Laurie Larson
AHA President: Hospitals Anchor the Changing World of Health Care
December 09, 2016
Hospitals and Health Networks December 8, 2016, Laurie Larson
Digging Into the Roots of Health Disparities
December 09, 2016
Hospitals and Health Networks December 7, 2016, Laurie Larson
Fall 2016 E-Newsletter
November 11, 2016
It’s been a full year since The Root Cause Coalition was established, and in the last 12 months we’ve made incredible strides in advancing our mission to address the social determinants of health and more broadly engage the healthcare industry in helping individuals meet their most basic needs. Hunger, housing, transportation, isolation, education, and soRead More > >
September 2016 Newsletter
September 30, 2016
As we feel the snap of autumn in the air, we know that the sting of winter is not far behind. The change of seasons brings to mind the challenges so many in our communities will face as they struggle to heat their homes as days grow cold, keep lights on as daylight fades andRead More > >
August 2016 Newsletter
September 06, 2016
The Root Cause Coalition’s Inaugural Summit is just a few months away, and if the fall progresses as quickly as the summer, December will be upon us in a blink. Don’t let the opportunity to participate in this event slip away! Scheduled for December 5 & 6 in Chicago, with an agenda that brings togetherRead More > >
July 2016 Newsletter
July 27, 2016
In the last speech of his life, John Gardner, former U.S. Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare for the Johnson Administration wrote: “I keep running into highly capable people all over this country who literally never give a thought to the well-being of their community. And I keep wondering, who gave them permission to standRead More > >
June 2016 Newsletter
June 29, 2016
With summer in full swing, I know that most aren’t thinking about December. But at The Root Cause Coalition, December – actually December 5th & 6th to be exact – marks the date of our Inaugural Summit on the Social Determinants of Health at the Drake Hotel in Chicago, Illinois. With an agenda rich withRead More > >
MAY 2016 Newsletter
May 31, 2016
As we begin the summer months it is my hope that this message finds you well and able to enjoy time in the coming days and weeks to relax, and spend time with friends and family. We all need a break, and even long weekends or a quiet afternoon can provide the recharge necessary. ButRead More > >
April 2016 Newsletter
April 28, 2016
In keeping with the Root Cause Coalition’s mission to address social determinants of health through research, education and advocacy, I am pleased to annouce that we are planning a National Summit on the Social Determinants of Health in Chicago, Illinois, December 5 and 6, 2016. We’ve heard from our members and industry colleagues that theyRead More > >
March 2016 Newsletter
March 23, 2016
In the five months since its establishment, the Root Cause Coalition has made tremendous progress in bringing the healthcare industry into discussions and action as to how we, as a nation, can best address the social determinants of health. Since October of 2015, The Coalition has experienced steady growth in membership and is already widelyRead More > >
February 2016 Newsletter
February 06, 2016
If not us, who? If not now, when? These words have echoed through the ages and have been applied to issues ranging from working to achieve world peace, to establishing national policy and countless others between. Individuals and businesses alike use the words to personally and collectively inspire, motivate and achieve goals and better outcomes.Read More > >
January 2016 Newsletter
January 16, 2016
At The Root Cause Coalition, we’re committed to bringing awareness to the issue of hunger and food insecurity and how hunger is a health issue that we can eliminate. While the human toll from hunger remains incalculable. One estimate puts related healthcare costs nationwide at a staggering $130.5 billion this year. As an organization thatRead More > >
December 2015 Newsletter
December 06, 2015
I hope this message finds you well and that you’re able to pace yourself through this busy season that brings demands on both personal and professional time. It has certainly been a busy two months since The Root Cause Coalition launched in mid-October; but we are extremely grateful for the wide and sincere interest fromRead More > >
November 2015 Newsletter
November 06, 2015
Happy Thanksgiving and welcome to The Root Cause Coalition’s first monthly e-newsletter! As a colleague who shares a mutual interest and passion about addressing the most basic needs of all individuals, I am happy to announce the recent establishment of The Root Cause Coalition; an organization whose focus is to address hunger as a healthRead More > >