Dr. Somava Saha, chief executive officer and president of WE in the World, has dedicated her career to improving health, well-being and equity through the development of thriving people, organizations, and communities.

By: Marie Y. Lemelle, PhD

WE in the World and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Unite to Drive Systemic Change Through JUSTICE SQUARED

In a major move to address systemic racism in healthcare, Well-Being, and Equity (WE) in the World, with support from Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), launched Just Leaders for a Just Health System (JUSTICE SQUARED). This two-year initiative invites healthcare organizations, patients, and community leaders to collaborate in building a more equitable and just healthcare system.

“In JUSTICE SQUARED, we will support and challenge each other, create practical system change using methods that are effective, and engage in processes that are grounded in trust, joy, and justice,” said Dr. Somava Saha, chief executive officer and president, WE in the World. “By advancing change that’s co-led by communities experiencing inequities and healthcare leaders, we’ll begin to build a healthcare system that’s healthier, safer, and more effective for us all.”

Racial Disparities in Healthcare: A Crisis That Cannot Be Ignored

“Deep racial and ethnic disparities in health are driven by factors inside and outside state health care systems. For example, in many communities where people of color live, poverty rates are higher than average, levels of pollution and crime are elevated, and green spaces are few — all key contributors to health disparities.” (Commonwealth Fund’s Report on Advancing Racial Equity in Healthcare)

According to an assessment by the Federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), “Black patients received worse care than white patients on 52 percent of quality measures. The study also found marked disparities in quality of care and patient safety with respect to heart disease, cancer, stroke, maternal health outcomes, pain management, and surgery.” 

A Collaborative Path to Justice in Healthcare

JUSTICE SQUARED is not just an awareness campaign—it is a movement for systemic change. The initiative provides a structured space for healthcare professionals, patients, and community leaders to work collectively in redesigning a healthcare system that centers on equity and justice.

Supported by Robert Wood Johnson Foundation—a national leader in health philanthropy—the program uses funding, advocacy, and evidence-building to accelerate progress toward health equity.  Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s mission aligns with that of JUSTICE SQUARED: to create a future where healthcare is no longer a privilege but a fundamental right.

Additionally, the WE in the World’—a growing coalition dedicated to intergenerational health and equity- is key in advancing the initiative’s impact and reach.

A Call to Action for Changemakers

The JUSTICE SQUARED initiative provides healthcare and community leaders with the tools, mentorship, and structured learning journey to identify and dismantle entrenched inequities. The program’s highlights include:

• Up to 12 teams will participate, each comprising five healthcare and community leaders.
• Funding support of up to $300,000 per team, with an additional $400,000 available for safety-net healthcare institutions.
• Expert coaching, technical assistance, and peer collaboration to drive real, systemic change.

The initiative reimagines healthcare relationships to reflect fairness, trust, and dignity by fostering meaningful partnerships between healthcare institutions and their communities. Eligible participants include healthcare organizations, and community leaders committed to dismantling racism in their institutions and beyond.

“This program is an essential step to break down silos and foster meaningful collaboration,” says Emmy Hall Ganos, associate managing director, Leadership for Better Health Strategic Portfolio at RWJF. “While abolishing structural racism will take decades, JUSTICE SQUARED creates a pathway for leaders to unite and enact sustainable change.”

The Road Ahead

Addressing systemic racism in healthcare requires bold leadership, collective action, and sustainable solutions. JUSTICE SQUARED represents a critical step toward a healthcare system prioritizing dignity, equity, and justice for all.

“At WE in the World, we believe structural racism permeates healthcare—and is a barrier to dignity, equity, and justice for millions,” notes Dr. Saha.

This initiative seeks to reshape the future of healthcare in America by fostering leadership that centers the voices of marginalized communities—one rooted in fairness, trust, and access for all.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. The views expressed by the organizations and individuals quoted do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers. Readers are encouraged to conduct further research or consult relevant professionals regarding healthcare policies and equity initiatives.

Published by Anne C.