BALTIMORE, MD. | April 21, 2017 - Kaiser Permanente and CommonHealth ACTION have announced that the Kaiser Permanente's Institute for Equitable Leadership - which will develop leadership skills to help community and business leaders increase their positive impact in Baltimore City - will launch in early May. The Baltimore Action Legal Team, Chase Brexton Health Care, Dovecote Café, Intersection of Change, and New Lens will comprise the first class of the Institute.
The Institute for Equitable Leadership brings together nonprofit and for-profit entities to improve the health of Baltimore residents and encourage local leaders to develop leadership skills that are grounded in equity, diversity and inclusion. Joined by community partners Maryland Nonprofits and Equity Matters, Inc., Kaiser Permanente and CommonHealth ACTION are launching the Institute to increase nonprofit capacity to address determinants of health to promote equitable experiences and life outcomes in Baltimore City.
The cohort will work to address a range of health issues, including generational and cross-racial issues among leaders; functional relationships among current and future leaders; creation of future leaders; and reduction of unhealthy competition among health leaders in the community.
"We at Kaiser Permanente believe in Baltimore and are inspired by all the passionate, committed residents who are working to build a stronger community for their children and grandchildren," said Kim Horn, president of Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic States. "Kaiser Permanente is thrilled to partner with these outstanding organizations and individuals to build equity and economic stability for Baltimore."
"Health is a production of society," said Natalie S. Burke, President and CEO of CommonHealth ACTION. "We are investing in these leaders' and organizations' tremendous potential to build greater equity in systems, policies, and culture-all of which are necessary for a healthier Baltimore City."
The first cohort of organizations was selected from dozens of applicants to participate in the Institute. They span industries and neighborhoods of Baltimore to reflect the diversity of the community, with a uniting commitment to make Baltimore City a healthy, safe and economically strong community that provides opportunities for all people to reach their fullest potential. To offset the cost of time away from the business while participating, and to provide unrestricted operational support, Kaiser Permanente will offer scholarships to the nonprofit organizations and small businesses participating in the Institute.
The Inaugural Class of the Kaiser Permanente Institute for Equitable Leadership in Baltimore:
Baltimore Legal Action Team (BALT) provides legal support to Baltimore communities as they exercise their civil liberties protesting against injustices rooted in structural racism and economic inequality.
Chase Brexton Health Careprovides compassionate, quality health care that honors diversity, inspires wellness and improves communities.
Dovecote Café is one of Baltimore's newest cafes connecting community, food justice, creative individuals and wellness.
Intersection of Change is dedicated to providing programs that enrich the economic, social, and spiritual lives of those dealing with poverty related issues in Sandtown-Winchester and surrounding communities.
New Lens is a youth-driven social justice organization that makes art and media about issues where a youth perspective can inspire change.
The Kaiser Permanente Institute for Equitable Leadership will launch formally during the first week of May 2017. The first in-person meeting will take place in late June 2017.
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