2026 IMPACT REPORT
Rooted in Justice
We believe in a future where opportunity is abundant and wellbeing is universal.
A MESSAGE FROM FACULTY DIRECTOR:
Eugenia C. South, MD, MS
Born out of a season of deep uncertainty and necessary adaptation, our journey has been defined by resilience, community, and an unwavering commitment to health equity. What began in 2020 as a reimagining of the Urban Health Lab has since evolved into a transformative movement—pioneering authentic, community-driven partnerships like Deeply Rooted, securing landmark NIH research like IGNITE, and ultimately establishing the Penn Medicine Center for Health Justice. As we honor the 13-year legacy of the Urban Health Lab and step fully into our new identity, we remain rooted in our core mission: disrupting structural racism, fostering trusted partnerships, and building an equitable future where opportunity and wellbeing belong to everyone.
"People are at the heart of all we do at the CHJ. Our amazing team works so hard to achieve our mission to serve, partner with, and promote health for Philadelphians."
—Nicole A. Thomas, Ed.D, MBA — Director
Acting On This Work
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Invest in community-led, evidence-based approaches that address the root causes of health inequity, overdose, environmental injustice, and neighborhood disinvestment.
Support long-term partnership models that prioritize trust, shared power, stewardship, and sustained community engagement.
Fund community-engaged research and action-oriented initiatives that translate evidence into policy and practice.
Help scale proven community greening models to additional neighborhoods and communities.
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Expand definitions of care beyond clinical settings to include neighborhood environments, prevention, and place-based interventions.
Partner with communities, community organizations, and municipalities as co- designers and long-term collaborators.
Address structural drivers of health through community-centered and environmental strategies.
Use evidence from environmental, community- based, and justice-centered interventions to guide health system priorities and investments.
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Participate in neighborhood planning collaboratives, greening efforts, revitalization initiatives, and community design processes.
Spend time outdoors and engage with local greenspaces to support physical, mental, and social well-being.
Share lived experiences to help shape policies, programs, and neighborhood investments.
Advocate for investments and solutions that prioritize neighborhood health, safety, environmental justice, and community well-being.
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Advance policies that promote environmental justice, equitable neighborhood investment, and community well-being.
Allocate resources toward community-level and prevention-focused interventions proven to reduce harm, improve health, and save lives.
Fund and sustain community-owned, community- designed, and community-stewarded green infrastructure and revitalization efforts that support long-term neighborhood well-being.
Center lived experience, justice-centered evidence, and community leadership in planning, zoning, land use, and public policy decisions that impact vulnerable communities.
Want to learn more about how to support our work by investing in community engaged research that translates evidence into action?