Maintaining a Commitment to Health Equity

In 2025, various changes in the social and political landscape caused concern regarding the future of health equity work in the Unites States. These changes created uncertainty, fear, shifts in the work, and policies affecting funding, research, and equity language nuances. Health and health care organizations with commitments to health equity have expressed concern about being able to continue their work.

In response to this, IHI conducted an innovation project to understand how health systems are adapting to deliver on their commitments. This report illuminates the challenges faced as well as the resilience, adaptability, and strategic ingenuity of individuals within health systems and community organizations that are committed to health equity in a time of political and social uncertainty. 

IHI identified a spectrum of practices that health systems are employing to sustain their health equity work. These practices are captured in the Framework for Maintaining Health Equity, which outlines core tenants, external strategies, and internal practices that together form a roadmap for navigating the current climate.

How to Cite This Document:

Glover W, Imbeah K, Feske-Kirby K, Burnett C. Maintaining A Commitment to Health Equity. Boston: Institute for Healthcare Improvement; 2026 (Available at www.ihi.org)