The challenge in health equity is not just designing programs, but ensuring they can be scaled and sustained across diverse communities. That was the central theme when the Interfaith Health Network & Community Clinical Trials (IHN) presented its community-driven health equity model at the Women of Color in Pharma (WOCIP) 9th Annual Conference on October 26-28, 2025.
IHN showcased how its method—leveraging the trusted platform of faith communities and prioritizing community-led data collection—effectively bridges the gap between major health institutions and underserved populations.
This model directly addresses the need for effective communication. As a core IHN principle affirms, “it is through the faith community that we’re able to deliver equitable healthcare.” By presenting at WOCIP, IHN engaged with leaders across the life sciences industry to demonstrate how this grassroots model yields powerful outcomes, including:
- Targeted Outreach: Surveying and engaging faith communities.
- Capacity Building: Funding the Community Health Navigator Program to build a homegrown healthcare workforce.
- Cutting-Edge Access: Developing programs with Memorial Sloan Kettering and the American Cancer Society to bring resources to New York and Ohio.
By sharing our work at WOCIP, IHN aims to foster new partnerships that replicate this success, ensuring that health equity solutions are driven by the community, for the community.