A letter from Prevention Institute’s new executive director, Rachel A. Davis
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We stand for health, safety, and wellbeing. For everyone. No exceptions.
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As I have been preparing to become Prevention Institute’s new executive director, I have been reflecting on the challenges of this moment: rising rates of diseases of despair; an increase in hate violence; climate-related disasters from floods to fires to droughts; children separated from their parents at the border; a housing crisis displacing people from their long-term neighborhoods; and national rhetoric deeming some groups worthy and others not. In a moment like this, it’s more important than ever to hold our gains; push back against threats to communities and individuals; and establish a long-term plan for ensuring that all communities achieve health, safety, and wellbeing. Based on our work alongside communities, I remain optimistic. I am inspired by the communities we work with every day. A few examples include:
- In rural counties across Ohio, we are partnering to prevent opioid misuse and abuse
- In San Diego, CA and Kokua Kahili Valley, HI, we are working with immigrant and refugee groups to improve mental health outcomes
- In Canton, CT and across Nebraska, we are partnering to reduce suicide among military service members and veterans
- In Los Angeles, we are partnering to achieve health equity by focusing on parks and open space, clean and safe water for all neighborhoods, and healthy development without displacement
- In Texas, we are collaborating with local foundations and health centers to improve community conditions that will reduce chronic diseases
- In Milwaukee, WI, and Kansas City, MO, we are working alongside these communities to create citywide plans that promote peace and healing and reduce violence in the homes and neighborhoods most impacted
- In Oklahoma, we are partnering to reduce suicide among tribal youth
This commitment to create thriving communities has inspired me during my 20+ year career at Prevention Institute and energizes me today as I take on a new role at our organization’s helm.
Community-level efforts to prevent illness and injury before they occur and achieve health equity are the heart and soul of Prevention Institute, and will continue to be at our core as our organization transitions into its next phase. These efforts remind us of the power of this work and teach us about the systems and policy change we need to put in place to support communities in achieving health, safety, and wellbeing. And we look forward to continued partnership with you—our fellow public health and prevention advocates, our funders, and our partners at community-based organizations and government agencies as together we rise to meet the challenges and secure our future.
For me, health, safety, and wellbeing are the foundational elements of life, and nothing could be more important than ensuring we all have them. |
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| I am humbled and honored to be taking the lead of this amazing organization, which I helped start twenty-one years ago. And, I know I won’t be doing it alone. In addition to our amazing staff and leadership team, I’m thrilled to announce that our longtime Managing Director Manal J. Aboelata is being promoted to the position of Deputy Executive Director. |
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"One of our fundamental goals is to achieve health equity. To succeed, we must also strive toward racial justice and all forms of social equity. "
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Manal has been with Prevention Institute since 1998 and founded our Los Angeles office. She is a public health scientist and national health equity leader who has worked on issues ranging from access to healthy food and physical activity opportunities to healthy and equitable land use.
“One of our fundamental goals is to achieve health equity,” Manal said. “To succeed, we must also strive toward racial justice and all forms of social equity. We are partnering with people across the country in health departments, government agencies, foundations, and community-based organizations to strengthen our collective efforts until all people have the resources, opportunities, and conditions they need to thrive and live healthy and safe lives.”
Today, I am also pleased to be releasing our new strategic framework: Health, Safety, and Wellbeing for All. It describes our goals, approach, and strategies, all of which are in service of our vision that all people experience their full potential for health, safety, and wellbeing across the life course through thriving, equitable communities.
I am truly grateful to have the opportunity to work with Prevention Institute’s talented staff members, board of directors, executive advisory board members, funders, and allies in my new position, and hope you’ll join our organization in this new phase of our work. If we don’t already know each other, please reach out to introduce yourself, offer your ideas and advice, and share your own stories of what inspires you to work for health, safety, and wellbeing for all. |
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