Philadelphia, March 16, 2016–Reinvestment Fund and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) announced the formation of the National Advisory Committee for Invest Health. 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.

The National Advisory Committee brings together 12 nationally recognized experts in the integration of health and community development to provide guidance to the initiative. Members consist of distinguished representatives from government, community development, economic and social policy institutions, and non-profit organizations.

“We are honored to welcome such an influential panel of leaders to this committee,” said Amanda High, Chief of Strategic Initiatives at Reinvestment Fund. “Together, they bring a diversity of experience and knowledge that will be invaluable in addressing the range of challenges to overcome in the pursuit of creating equitable, healthier communities.”

Invest Health’s National Advisory Committee includes:

  • Dr. David Fleming, Vice President, Public Health Impact at PATH
  • Maggie Super Church, Consultant at Conservation Law Foundation and Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation
  • John Moon, District Manager, Community Developmentat Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco
  • Ivye L. Allen, President and CEO at Foundation for the Mid South
  • Michael McAfee, Vice President of Programs at PolicyLink
  • Jeffrey Brown, President and CEO at Brown’s Super Stores Inc. and Chairman at UpLift Solutions
  • Otis Samuel Johnson, The Honorable Mayor of Savannah, Georgia (2004-2012)
  • Ray Daffner, Entrepreneurial Development Manager at Appalachia Regional Commission
  • Paul Weech, President at Neighborworks America
  • Mark Van Brunt, Chief Operating Officer at Raza Development Fund
  • Jenny Ismert, Vice President, Housing at UnitedHealth Group
  • Rebecca Morley, Director, Health Impact Project at The PEW Charitable Trusts

Invest Health will guide teams of five cross-sector leaders in up to 50 mid-sized cities through a robust 18-month effort designed to accelerate municipal capacity to take action on multiple determinants of health in low-income communities, with a focus on the built environment. The Committee will be reviewing applications currently in process and assist in selecting the final cohort of up to 50 mid-sized cities expected to participate in Invest Health. Selections 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.