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(ST. JOSEPH) - The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the United States' largest philanthropy focused solely on health, recently awarded Corewell Health South, formerly Spectrum Health Lakeland, a $40,000 grant to support research into neighborhood and institutional trust to improve community conditions and advance health equity. 

This project builds upon previous research conducted locally that measured levels of trust between people in neighborhoods and trust with health care organizations.

“We know that a lack of trust in health care remains an issue, particularly among individuals who identify as Black, Asian, Hispanic, and Native American. And, we know that trust is critical to improving health care outcomes and health equity within our communities,” said Lynn Todman, PhD, vice president of health equity and community partnerships for Corewell Health. “This project is focused on building trust with our communities by listening to them, asking what they need, and using that information to co-create solutions that help us to improve the health of the communities we serve.” 

To measure trust, the research team will explore factors such as social connectedness, opportunities for neighborhood engagement and safety, as well as health care reputation and accessibility. The results of this research will help inform important decision-making processes like the City of Benton Harbor Master Plan and Corewell Health South health programs and interventions.