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Authentic partnerships are built on trust.

Diverse group of people waiting in health clinic

A long and ongoing history of mistreatment and abuse has fostered logical mistrust and distrust of the health care system and other institutions across diverse communities. Racism, classism, ableism, and other systems of oppression perpetuated by societal systems are not soon forgotten by the people they affect. Mis- and disinformation also play key roles. It’s up to those institutions to work to demonstrate they are worthy of their communities’ trust. Trust is the foundation of the community-driven, multisector partnerships necessary to create lasting health equity for all.

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Start Here: The Principles of Trustworthiness Toolkit

Developed in partnership with researchers and communities across the U.S., the toolkit is grounded in the 10 Principles of Trustworthiness, which guide organizations from good intentions to real accountability. Designed for health systems, academic institutions, and community partners, the toolkit offers a structured but flexible approach to build authentic relationships, reflect on institutional behaviors, and take intentional action. 

Access the Toolkit
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Principles of Trustworthiness Toolkit Pilot Project

Teams of multisector, community partnerships will formally use and evaluate the Principles of Trustworthiness Toolkit for one year. 

Learn More
Advancing Health Equity: A Guide to Language, Narrative and Concepts

Advancing Health Equity: A Guide to Language, Narrative and Concepts

Produced in partnership with the American Medical Association, this resource guides institutions toward a deeper understanding of equity-focused, person-first language and narratives and why these choices matter on the road to trustworthiness.

Access the Guide
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Building Trust and Confidence Through Partnerships

The CDC funded a grant program that promoted stronger cross-sector collaboration between academic medicine, public health departments, social services agencies, and community-based organizations to increase trust and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines as well as other routine vaccines, especially for children and adolescents.

Meet the Grantees
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The State of Trustworthiness

New polling reveals surprising differences in the public's trust in institutions by age, race, and income. What does it mean for organizations working towards becoming trustworthy partners to their communities?

Read the Brief