Root Cause Coalition

The Root Cause Coalition is a nonprofit, member-driven organization established to address health inequities in the United States. Founded in 2015 by AARP Foundation, it is co-founded by ProMedica and includes more than 90 leading health systems, hospital associations, foundations, businesses, national and community nonprofits, health insurers, academic institutions, and policy centers.

Mission

The coalition aims to achieve health equity for every American by focusing on collaborative partnerships, community-based solutions, public policy changes, and shared research. Its mission is centered around reversing systemic root causes of health inequities through cross-sector collaborations.

Core Activities

The Root Cause Coalition concentrates on several key areas:

• Advocacy: The coalition advocates for reforms in data collection, payment models, and policies that address social determinants of health (SDOH). It supports legislation and policies that promote health equity and reduce healthcare costs.
• Education: It emphasizes the inclusion of SDOH, trauma-informed care, and cultural competency in clinical and educational programs.
• Research: The organization conducts research on issues related to health disparities, particularly those stemming from systemic racism, maternal and infant mortality, and mental health and substance abuse services.
• Environmental Sustainability: It promotes policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions from the healthcare industry.

Membership and Engagement

Membership in the Root Cause Coalition is open to organizations and individuals. Members benefit from networking opportunities, research participation, education sessions, and advocacy efforts. They also have access to the Equity Legislation Monitor, a tool that tracks key legislation impacting health disparities.

Initiatives and Events

The coalition hosts an annual National Summit on the Social Determinants of Health, where members come together to discuss and address health inequities. It also participates in advocacy activities like Capitol Hill meetings and hosts regular webinars on SDOH issues.

Governance

The organization is member-led, with a Board of Trustees and committees focused on advocacy, education, and research. These structures facilitate cross-sector collaboration and strategic planning.

Impact

Through its diverse membership and collaborative efforts, the Root Cause Coalition plays a significant role in promoting health equity across the United States. Its work helps to bridge gaps between healthcare providers, community organizations, and policymakers to address systemic health disparities.