Scripps Collaborative for Health Equity

Focusing on research, access and community programs

People of various ethnic backgrounds in a group setting represent the Scripps Collaborative for Health Equity..

Focusing on research, access and community programs

As one of the largest healthcare networks in Southern California, Scripps Health is committed to fostering multicultural diversity and promoting health equity as both a provider and an employer. Health equity is important because it allows everyone the opportunity to be as healthy as possible regardless of race, ethnicity, age, gender, location, socioeconomic status or other demographic factors. 


The Scripps Collaborative for Health Equity is one initiative among our regional and local efforts that seeks to fulfill this commitment. It is designed to promote equity in healthcare through initiatives and key programs that are focused on workforce diversity, inclusion in research, and access to high-quality, culturally competent healthcare for patients from all backgrounds. 

Strategic priorities

The Scripps Collaborative for Health Equity is dedicated to establishing excellence in community health equity and its outcomes in our vulnerable populations through three strategic priorities: 


1. Focus and expand research efforts on healthcare disparities

2. Improve access to culturally appropriate healthcare resources

3. Expand community interventions and programs for multicultural populations

Focus and expand research efforts on healthcare disparities

A black person looks through a microscope, representing revised research efforts on health care disparities.

Focus and expand research efforts on healthcare disparities

The collaborative is committed to studying diversity and inclusion in healthcare and identifying improvements to promote community health equity through the following initiatives:


  • Establish an annual $75,000 peer-reviewed research grant to address disparity in healthcare delivery systems
  • Host an annual symposium on health disparities research for Scripps researchers and providers 
  • Establish a healthcare disparities research program to provide resources for disparities researchers and trainees
  • Explore potential partnerships with similar organizations

Improve access to culturally appropriate healthcare resources

An Asian health care worker and black person represent improved access to culturally appropriate health care resources.

Improve access to culturally appropriate healthcare resources

Through the following approach, we strive to promote health equity programs and policies that include diversity and inclusion in the workplace, in our healthcare facilities and throughout the community:


  • Recruit and retain a diverse community of physicians and staff
  • Develop culturally and linguistically appropriate healthcare resources and programs for underserved and minority populations  
  • Support patients with accessing culturally linguistic and appropriate services after they leave our care

Expand community interventions and programs for multicultural populations

A black person in a group setting represents expanded community interventions and programs for multicultural populations.

Expand community interventions and programs for multicultural populations

With a focus on achieving community health equity, the collaborative utilizes the following strategies to establish resources founded on diversity and inclusion for all:


  • Develop and expand culturally tailored community programs on cancer and cardiovascular health 
  • Enhance youth programs focused on building a pipeline of diverse students pursuing health careers 
  • Develop an undergraduate pipeline program for transition into medical school

Steering Committee 

Scripps Collaborative for Health Equity Steering Committee

Director: Juan Tovar, MD

Co-Director: Kendra Brandstein, Director, Community Benefit Services


Steering Committee members

Juan Tovar, MD, a Hispanic/Latino male doctor, smiles in a white lab coat, proud of the SCHE's focus on health equity.

“Addressing disparities and working to achieve equity in healthcare means more effective and efficient care for everyone. Healthier individuals create healthier communities, and healthier communities require less medical care.”

– Juan Tovar, MD, Scripps Collaborative for Health Equity Director and Emergency Medicine Physician

Scripps Collaborative for Health Equity programs