The BUILD Difference
In 2015, five funders and eighteen communities set out together with the bold goal of advancing health equity in America through cross-sector and community driven approaches—so that everyone could have the opportunity to reach their optimal level of health.
Sixty-eight partnerships, twenty funders, and four cohorts of communities later, we are realizing the benefits and impact of this effort in terms of resources unlocked and change made.
We celebrate these collective milestones, learnings, and partnerships that have formed as a result of BUILD. We invite you to join us as we reflect on the impact BUILD communities have made, and look ahead at what’s to come.
MOVING TO CENTER
BUILD’s Journey to Advance Health Equity
Since our launch in 2015, The BUILD Health Challenge® (BUILD) has pursued the bold goal of improving health for all through cross-sector, upstream, and community-driven approaches. While that’s always been our intent, the role of health equity — and our understanding of it — has evolved the way we work and shaped who we are today.
In their own words
Bold
Mayor Bill Blackburn on systems change in Kerrville, TX
Upstream
Kellie Teter on addressing root causes in Denver, CO
Integrated
Rev. Marvin Hemingway on building partnerships in Marion County, SC
Local
Rosabel Pastrana, Veronica Casarrubias, and Celmira Cordero on community leadership in New Brunswick, NJ
Data-Driven
Kathy Chan on leveraging data to address health disparities in Chicago, IL
Because of BUILD, we have convened 15+ partners in health, social, and human services and government around a shared vision of bridging gaps between residents and resources.
Pittsburgh, PA
Because of BUILD, we have grown the strength of a movement of Latinx activists who will continue to work towards a more equitable Boulder County and beyond.
Lafayette, CO
Because of BUILD, our collaborative was able to make health a priority in public transit planning and investments. Our project helped give residents the tools to [engage] with local and regional decision-making processes that affect their communities.
New Orleans, LA
We have increased our collaboration amongst different partners for the betterment of the community in ways we have never done before.
[BUILD] gave all of our work more recognition among key policy decision makers and community leaders.
We have intentionally designed our work to allow for equitable distribution of power and resources. People that engage with us know now this is how we do business.
