We can build new bridges to health

November 13, 2024
“It is easy to become immobilized by injustice. At times it all feels like too much. [Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s] “Bridge to Health” model offers some hope that we have the agency to replace these old bridges with new ones that enable everyone to thrive.”

Keleigh Waldner is the Senior Manager of Communications and Research at the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts.


She writes, "When someone asks me how to explain structural racism or social determinants of health, I often direct them to Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s 'Bridge to Health' model. The bridge metaphor illustrates structural racism in an accessible way. One bridge is built to safely carry people to their destination of good health, while the other is intentionally constructed with barriers. 


I appreciate this metaphor because it highlights the human role in creating systems and practices that value some lives more than others. This isn’t a natural occurrence; it’s the result of intentional decisions over time. Given the rise in rhetoric suggesting that our genes are responsible for our intelligence or criminality, it feels important to emphasize this point. Inequality isn’t genetic, rather, it is deeply steeped into our policies, systems, and environments. 


It is easy to become immobilized by injustice. At times it all feels like too much. The 'Bridge to Health' model offers some hope that we have the agency to replace these old bridges with new ones that enable everyone to thrive." 

share this

Related Articles

Recording posted! Vaping/Nicotine Pouch Webinar

October 2, 2025
Access materials from the September 16 webinar, Vaping & Nicotine Pouches: Understanding the New Landscape, which featured Dr. Nicole Porther, Chair of the Department of Health Professions, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, and Catherine Brooks , Senior Research Evaluation Specialist, Collaborative for Educational Services. Recording Slides Written responses to submitted questions coming soon!

New speaker announced for Sept 25 Vaping Webinar

September 22, 2025
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Heather Warner is unable to join the webinar. Catherine Brooks has agreed to participate in her place.

Upcoming Webinar Sept 26 About Vaping & Nicotine Pouches

September 12, 2025
Vaping & Nicotine Pouches: Understanding the New Landscape Date: Friday, September 26, 2026 Time: 12:00 - 1:00 pm Join us for an informative webinar as we explore the evolving landscape of tobacco and nicotine use, with a special focus on vaping and nicotine pouches like Zyns. This session will offer a high-level overview of emerging products, usage trends, and potential mitigation strategies—especially relevant for youth, families, community-based organizations (CBOs), and municipalities. Featured Speakers: Dr. Nicole Porther, Chair of the Department of Health Professions, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Heather Warner, MPH, Hampshire Franklin Tobacco-Free Community Partnership Coordinator, Collaborative for Educational Services Moderator: Jessica Collins, Executive Director, Public Health Institute of Western MA