Close the health gap

More than 60 million Americans experience devastating one-two punches to their health—they have inadequate access to basic health care while also enduring the effects of discrimination, poverty, and dangerous environments that accelerate higher rates of illness. Innovative and evidence-based social strategies can improve health care and lead to broad gains in the health of our entire society.

Brief Description

Network Leadership

Network Co-Leads:

Sara Bachman University of Pennsylvania

Teri Browne University of South Carolina

Michael Spencer University of Washington

Concept Papers

Reducing and Preventing Alcohol Misuse and Its Consequences

Health Equity: Eradicating Health Inequalities for Future Generations

Strengthening Health Care Systems: Better Health Across America

Policy Recommendations

Spencer, M. S., Walters, K. L., & Clapp, J. D. (2016, September) Policy recommendations for meeting the Grand Challenge to Close the Health Gap (Grand Challenges for Social Work Initiative Policy Brief No. 2). Cleveland, OH: American Academy of Social Work & Social Welfare.

Publications

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December 22, 2021

Promoting Health Equity by Paying for Social Care

Authors: Bonnie Ewald, MA; Robyn Golden, LCSW; Diana J. Mason, PhD, RN Two major reports from the National Academies of Science, Engineering,... more

January 22, 2021

Grand Challenges 5 Year Impact Report

The Grand Challenges for Social Work released its 5 year Impact Report in January 2021, highlighting accomplishments throughout the initiative... more

October 11, 2020

SPECIAL ISSUE: Mainstreaming Gender: An Intersectional Feminist Approach to Social Work’s Grand Challenges

Dr. Jill Messing, co-lead for the Grand Challenge to Build Healthy Relationships to End Violence, was a guest editor for... more

Network Resources

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May 16, 2024