Message from Tomas Leon,
EHF President & Executive Director

As we reflect on 2024, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the transformative strides we’ve made together in advancing health equity and well-being and uplifting underserved communities. This year has been a testament to the power of collaboration, cultural humility, and community-driven innovation.

At the heart of our work is a simple yet profound belief: everyone deserves the opportunity to live a healthy, vibrant life—regardless of their zip code, background, or income. In 2024, we deepened our commitment to this mission through programs and initiatives that not only addressed immediate health disparities but also laid the groundwork for long-term, systemic change.

One of our most impactful efforts this year was the launch of the Community Well-Being Hub Initiative in South Central Phoenix with support from Maricopa County and others. Guided by community voices and grounded in cultural responsiveness, this initiative is building a five-year roadmap to improve quality of life, address longevity gaps, and foster a healthier future for generations to come. We are moving at the speed of trust—listening, learning, and co-creating solutions with those we serve.

We also expanded our community-based coalitions, strengthened partnerships across five states, and invested in programs that address the social determinants of health—from food security and access to social care to education and economic opportunity. These efforts are not just about services; they are about restoring dignity, building trust, and empowering communities to thrive.

As a leader, I remain committed to fostering a culture of empathy, inclusion, belonging, and shared purpose—within our organization, among our public-private partners, in the community, and beyond. The challenges of the past year have only reinforced the importance of resilience, adaptability, and courageous leadership. Together, we are not only navigating change—we are championing it.

Thank you to our dedicated team, public-private partners, donors, and community members. Your unwavering support fuels our mission and inspires our journey. As we look ahead, I am confident that our collective efforts will continue to drive meaningful impact and bring us closer to a more just and equitable future for all.

With gratitude and hope,

M. Tomás León, MBA
President & Executive Director
Equality Health Foundation

ANNUAL REPORT SUMMARY

At the Equality Health Foundation, we believe that health is a human right—not a privilege. Our mission is to create a world where every individual, regardless of their background, zip code, income, or language, can live a healthy, vibrant life. We are breaking down barriers, uplifting voices and transforming health outcomes in underserved communities. Through expanded access, culturally responsive education, and unwavering advocacy, we are building a future where health equity and well-being is not just a goal—but a reality for all.

We envision communities that are not only inclusive and diverse but also thriving with opportunity and well-being. But we know this vision is bigger than any one organization. It takes all of us—neighbors, leaders, caregivers, and changemakers—coming together in a powerful movement for equity. Through deep collaboration and shared commitment, we are creating lasting, transformative change.

Together, we are advancing health and well-being for all.

HEALTH FESTIVALS

The Equality Health Foundation’s Health Festivals are joyful, community-powered celebrations held annually in cities across the country. These vibrant gatherings mark the beginning of the holiday season with a spirit of gratitude, generosity, and unity. At each festival, we provide families in need with nutritious food items—ensuring they can enjoy a healthy, dignified holiday meal.

But the impact goes far beyond food. These festivals are hubs of health and hope, offering free immunizations, diabetes and biometric screenings, health education, and access to vital community resources. They are more than events—they reflect our unwavering commitment to uplifting creating a connected community and health ecosystem.

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MATERNAL HEALTH 
EQUITY PROJECT

The Equality Health Foundation’s Healthy Mama Festivals in partnership with March of Dimes are more than health events—they are celebrations of motherhood, strength, and community. Held annually in cities across the nation, these vibrant gatherings are dedicated to supporting mothers and mothers-to-be with the care, knowledge, and resources they need to thrive.

From free medical screenings and immunizations to flu shots and one-on-one meet-and-greets with OB/GYNs, each festival is a hub of compassionate care. Attendees in Phoenix also benefit from the presence of the March of Dimes Baby Mobile Health Center and receive over 1,000 diaper bags filled with essential items to support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum journey.

These festivals are powerful reminders that when we invest in maternal health, we invest in the future of our communities. Thanks to the generous support of individuals, partners, and sponsors, we are creating spaces where women feel seen, supported, and empowered—one healthy mama at a time.

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WELL-CHILD BACK TO 
SCHOOL DRIVES

The Equality Health Foundation’s Annual Well-Child Back-to-School Drives are a beacon of hope, joy, and opportunity for families in Arizona and Texas. Each year, we rally communities to ensure that every child, regardless of circumstance, starts the school year healthy with confidence, dignity, and the tools they need to succeed.

In partnership with local healthcare providers and generous sponsors, we distribute over 2,000 backpacks filled with essential school supplies and engaged families to complete well-child visits with their provider. But these drives are about more than supplies and well-child visits—they are vibrant celebrations that bring together families, volunteers, healthcare heroes, and supporters in a shared mission to uplift our youth.

With your support we’re not just preparing students for school, we’re inspiring them to dream big, learn boldly, and believe in their potential. Join us in making a lasting difference, one backpack, one smile, and one healthy future at a time.

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COMMUNITY WELL-BEING INITIATIVE

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.
At the heart of this mission is the powerful insight behind the Zip Code Exam: 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, and delivering essential resources where they’re needed most, the Community Well-Being Fund is more than a grant program—it’s a movement to rewrite the narrative of health in America, one zip code at a time.

SCHOLARSHIP COLLABORATIVE

The Equality Health Foundation’s Scholarship Collaborative is a promise to invest in the future of healthcare by empowering the next generation of diverse healthcare professionals. Through meaningful partnerships with local organizations and generous sponsors, we provide scholarships, mentorship, and holistic support to students pursuing careers in healthcare.
This initiative is rooted in the belief that representation matters. A more diverse healthcare workforce leads to more culturally competent care and better outcomes and lower costs for all. That’s why we’re committed to breaking down barriers and opening doors for students from underserved communities.

Tony & Milena Astorga EXITO Scholarship Fund

We are especially proud of our partnership with the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Arizona Community Foundation, Education Forward Arizona, and Equality Health in establishing the Tony & Milena Astorga ÉXITO Scholarship. This scholarship not only provides financial assistance to graduate students in healthcare—it also surrounds them with the guidance, encouragement, and resources they need to thrive.

ALMA Health Career Award

Our partnership with the Arizona Latin American Medical Association (ALMA) is dedicated to bolstering the representation of Latino healthcare professionals by providing essential financial support to college students. In addition to financial assistance, it offers recognition for academic achievements and access to enriching programs designed to enhance their educational experience and professional development.

Embracing Health Equity Scholarship

Our partnership with the Northern Arizona Healthcare is designed to cultivate a diverse and inclusive healthcare workforce by providing crucial financial support to individuals who are passionately committed to serving underserved and diverse communities. By empowering these dedicated individuals, we aim to advance equity in healthcare delivery, ensuring that all populations have access to quality care and support. Together, with the support of our broader community, we are advancing health equity, nurturing talent, and ensuring that every aspiring healthcare professional—especially underrepresented, first-generation students—has the opportunity to achieve their dreams and make a lasting impact.

COMMUNITY IMPACT

180

Total community partners
(including sponsors and exhibitors)

5

Total states

16,850

Total people served

325

Total volunteers & hours

GET IN TOUCH

Have a questions or comments? Please reach out to us.

M. Tomás León, MBA
President & Executive Director