This publication outlines an innovative approach to adapting the Health Opportunity and Equity (HOPE) Initiative, a national equity-centered health database, for use by local community leaders. Supported by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the National Collaborative for Health Equity (NCHE) facilitated a year-long community of practice to learn how to tailor this data tool for local health equity and racial justice efforts. Launched in 2018 with funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the HOPE Initiative aims to highlight gaps in opportunity among racial and ethnic groups, set goals for achieving equity, and measure progress toward these goals.

The report describes how NCHE, through the Leveraging HOPE Community of Practice, gathered insights into effective data use to support collaborations between policymakers and community leaders. It emphasizes the value of substate data, innovative estimation techniques like the PLACES data initiative, and adapting data analysis to reflect local realities. Additionally, it explores how communities of color have faced heightened challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic due to systemic barriers, stressing the need for equitable policy responses. The report is divided into two parts: a summary of technical assistance provided to community organizations and key insights from those organizations’ experiences. (Read more)