In 2024, the Equality Health Foundation launched the Community Well-Being Fund—a bold campaign to transform health and well-being outcomes in underserved communities across Arizona, Texas, Tennessee, Louisiana, Virginia, and beyond. This fund supports programs and initiatives that bring hope and healing to areas burdened by chronic disease, reduced life expectancy, and limited access to quality whole person care.

Community Well-Being Hub Initiative in South Central Phoenix, Arizona 

In 2024, the Equality Health Foundation secured support to launch the Community Well-Being Hub Initiative in South Central Phoenix—a transformative, community-led effort to close the alarming 14-year life expectancy gap between neighborhoods just miles apart. This initiative was made possible through a major funding announcement by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, underscoring their commitment to advancing health equity, well-being and improving quality of life for all residents.

Co-designed with local residents and supported by Arizona State University College of Health Solutions as the research and evaluation partner, the initiative is developing a five-year roadmap to address the root causes of health disparities—such as access to care, food insecurity, housing, education, and economic opportunity. The Hub will serve as a trusted connector for services, resources, and partnerships that empower residents and foster long-term well-being.

To expand the impact beyond Phoenix, the Equality Health Foundation is also developing an innovative, interactive platform called the Zip Code Exam. This digital tool will help communities across the country uncover the invisible forces shaping health—like environmental conditions, economic barriers, and social inequities—and guide users toward actionable, place-based solutions. By making these hidden drivers visible, the platform aims to spark local action and national awareness.

Together, these efforts reflect a deep commitment to moving at the speed of trust, centering community voice, and building a healthier, more equitable future for all.

Please contact us at tleon@equalityhealthfoundation.org if you are interested in investing, volunteering or joining this coalition.

In 2024, the Equality Health Foundation proudly launched the inaugural Health Equity Champion Awards to honor individuals and organizations demonstrating exceptional leadership in advancing health equity and inclusion. The awards recognized trailblazers who are transforming healthcare and societal systems to better serve culturally diverse and underserved communities. These champions were celebrated not only for their impact but also for embodying the values of compassion, innovation, and community empowerment. Their work reflects the Foundation’s mission to ensure everyone has the opportunity to achieve optimal health and well-being.

In 2024, the Equality Health Foundation launched the Mental Health Matters: Let’s Talk About It public service announcement campaign to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote open conversations around mental health. Led by President Tomás León, the campaign emphasized that mental health is essential to overall well-being and that no one should suffer in silence.

Through powerful storytelling and culturally responsive messaging, the campaign encouraged individuals and families—especially in underserved communities—to seek support, access resources, and prioritize mental well-being. By fostering dialogue and compassion, the initiative aimed to create a more informed, inclusive, and resilient community where mental health truly matters.

In 2024, the Equality Health Foundation proudly served as chair of the State of Diabetes Summit in Phoenix, hosted by the American Diabetes Association. Held on World Diabetes Day, the summit brought together healthcare leaders, employers, policymakers, and community advocates to address the growing diabetes crisis—particularly its disproportionate impact on communities of color.

The event featured expert panels focused on innovative strategies to manage diabetes and obesity, reduce healthcare costs, and address the social determinants of health. With a strong emphasis on equity, access, and culturally responsive care, the summit served as a powerful platform for collaboration and action toward a healthier, more inclusive future.

Panelists: 

• Teresa Aseret-Manygoats, Bureau Chief at Bureau of Chronic Disease and Health Promotion 
• Dr. Christopher Labban, Chief Medical Officer at Feliz Family Care PLLC
• Dr. Sharon H. Jaycox, PhD, Global Head of DE&I at Celerion
• Dr. Gautam Aggarwall, Senior Medical Director at Arizona Complete Health

At the heart of these initiatives is the powerful reality that where you live can have a greater impact on your health than your DNA. This reality drives our commitment to addressing the root causes of health disparities—social, economic, and environmental—through targeted, community-based solutions.

By championing preventive care, promoting healthy lifestyles, addressing the social determinants of health, and delivering essential resources where they’re needed most, these efforts are more than a program—it’s a movement to rewrite the narrative of health in America, one community at a time.