If Broward County, Florida, had a health motto, it would be “collaboration works.” One out of 10 Floridians live in the county, one of the most expensive and diverse in the state. Leaders from government, business, and nonprofit sectors work in tandem to lower barriers to improvements in health, focusing on individuals and families who are working yet unable to afford basic needs such as affordable housing, food, child care, health care and transportation.

Broward County also demonstrates how a community can actively address and work to change the structures that perpetuate inequities by openly acknowledging practices that historically excluded some groups. They are creating public spaces for difficult conversations about racism that are changing policies and practices as well as attitudes, and their ability to work across sectors and engage a diverse community is creating a model for other communities to follow.

Learn more about Broward County’s story on the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation page: rwjf.org