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.
Fifty-five partnerships, sixteen funders, and three 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 started a ripple effect of systemic change that will greatly impact the health outcomes of mothers and babies in Jackson, Mississippi.
We have strengthened relationships between public health systems, community leaders, and neighbors to coordinate and inform resource allocation.
