Health Equity

When there is health equity, every person has a fair and just opportunity to achieve their best possible health. Progress has been undermined by persistent challenges, including systemic racism, language and cultural barriers, environmental risks, political forces, and limited access to housing, transportation, and social support systems. Despite spending 17.6 percent of GDP on health care in 2023, the US lags other countries in outcomes, with low life expectancy and high rates of preventable deaths and maternal mortality. Health equity is both a moral and economic imperative.

While health inequities are a long-standing issue, COVID-19 and the 2020–21 social justice movements renewed focus on bias and racism in biomedical research, care, and policy. Unfortunately, much of this momentum has slowed or reversed. The 2023 Supreme Court decision on affirmative action and 2025 policy reversals threaten the progress of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

SPARC recognizes that advancing health equity requires bold, cross-sector collaboration and action. We work with philanthropy to embed equity across all facets of the biomedical research and care ecosystem. We also identify where philanthropic capital can scale solutions, so all communities—especially the underserved—benefit from scientific breakthroughs.