Submissions come from 46 states and represent 169 unique cities
Philadelphia, February 3, 2016–Reinvestment Fund and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) announced that the first phase of application to become part of the Invest Health initiative resulted in 182 submissions of Letters of Intent, representing 169 unique cities. This first phase of the application process closed on January 29, 2016.
Invest Health is a pioneering, multi-sector initiative of Reinvestment Fund and RWJF that seeks to fundamentally change the way cities improve opportunities for their citizens to live healthy lives. Through this initiative, teams of five cross-sector leaders in up to 50 mid-sized cities will be selected to participate in a robust 18-month effort designed to accelerate municipal capacity to take action on multiple determinants of health in low-income communities.
The participating cities will be selected through a two-phased competitive process. The first phase, which opened in mid-December 2015, was the submission of a Letter of Intent.
“We are really encouraged by the tremendous response that Invest Health has received,” shared Amanda High, Chief of Strategic Initiatives at Reinvestment Fund. “Teams from all across the country have told us about the barriers to health their cities are facing. We look forward to learning about their unique challenges and efforts to improve health in their communities and sharing what we’ve learned broadly with others across the nation.”
Letters of Intent have come from cities in 46 states, with about half the applicants coming from cities with population in the 50,000 to 100,000 range. Applicant teams include representation from a wide variety of organizations including city and county government, higher education, community foundations, hospitals and community development corporations. Applicants were asked to present their vision for addressing long-standing inequities in health outcomes.
Based on reviews of the Letter of Intent, a select number will be invited to submit proposals as part of the second phase of the application. Invitations to submit proposals are expected to go out on or about February 22, 2016. The final cohort of up to 50 mid-sized cities will be announced in late April 2016.
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About Reinvestment Fund
Reinvestment Fund is a catalyst for change in low-income communities. We integrate data, policy and strategic investments to improve the quality of life in low-income neighborhoods. Using analytical and financial tools, we bring high-quality grocery stores, affordable housing, schools and health centers to the communities that need better access—creating anchors that attract investment over the long term and help families lead healthier, more productive lives. Learn more at reinvestment.com. Follow Reinvestment Fund on Twitter @ReinvestFund or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ReinvestFund.
About the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
For more than 40 years the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has worked to improve health and health care. We are striving to build a national Culture of Health that will enable all to live longer, healthier lives now and for generations to come. For more information, visit www.rwjf.org. Follow the Foundation on Twitter at www.rwjf.org/twitter or on Facebook at www.rwjf.org/facebook.