Newly released: Recommendations from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Commission to Build a Healthier America. Time to Act: Investing in the Health of Our Children and Communities calls for action on early childhood, healthy communities, and bridging health and health care. Read the report and explore the charts, infographics, and videos at RWJF.org

About Us

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Commission to Build a Healthier America was a national, independent, non-partisan group of leaders that came together from February 2008 to December 2009 to examine the many factors outside of medical care that influence health. The Commission researched and reviewed evidence, collected new data and listened to experts, leaders and citizens around the country. After a year-long investigation, the Commission issued 10 recommendations to improve health at the local, state and federal levels - practical, feasible and effective solutions often hidden in plain sight.

The Commission spent the greater part of its last year educating policymakers and stakeholders on ways to address the social factors that can make a difference in how long and how well people live. Although the official work of the Commission came to a close in December 2009, RWJF is committed to carrying on the legacy of the Commission and its recommendations by integrating the work and findings of the Commission into all of its programming addressing the social determinants of health.   

The Commission Web site will continue to be available as a resource, and new follow-up work related to the Commission’s charge will be available at RWJF.org.


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