Community Advocacy & Capacity Building
Roots is committed to eliminating the health disparities that burden marginalized communities, and a critical part of that work is advocating for just policies and systems change.
The 40×40 Initiative is a collaboration between Roots Community Health, Black Cultural Zone Collaborative and the, Brotherhood of Elders Network and the East Oakland Youth Development Center.
The initiative is working together to improve health and quality of life for this area of East Oakland, which is disproportionately affected by systemic and generational racism impacting the health and security outcomes of this community.
Those who are most impacted by systemic inequities are instrumental in the effort to change them. Roots provides opportunities for leadership development and civic engagement, and partners with our community to advocate for just policies and systems change.
Patients and community members are better advocates for their health when they have timely, accurate information and trusted health education and information.
Roots brings together residents, agencies, businesses and organizations for collective impact. We provide mini-grants and fiscal sponsorship, and host community listening sessions and forums to build community capacity to address our own challenges.
Our team of professionals undertakes original research, population studies and critical evaluation projects aimed at addressing root causes and achieving health, equity locally and nationwide.
All Patients and health consumers are entitled to devices that are accurate and ensure good health outcomes.
Recent studies, including our own co-authored research, have highlighted the alarming inaccuracies of pulse oximeters when used on individuals with darker skin tones.
These inaccuracies can lead to critical treatment delays, particularly for patients with COVID-19, and contribute to the broader issue of health disparities and medical racism.