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As of December 31, 2024, the Beyond Barriers Campaign concluded its five-year journey of transformative impact one year early, surpassing its ambitious $60 million goal by raising a groundbreaking $79.6 million. This achievement was fueled by a remarkable $20 million raised in 2024, marking the second-highest fundraising year in Eskenazi Health Foundation’s history. With $18 million raised in 2023, the past two years were among Eskenazi Health Foundation’s most successful, highlighting the power of community support and a collective vision.

Four Years of Work, A Legacy of Impact
Over the past four years, the Beyond Barriers Campaign has driven significant advancements in social determinants of health (SDOH) initiatives across Indianapolis, creating a legacy of impact. Among its achievements:

• Established three Health Equity Zones (HEZs) with formal partnerships:
  • West 38th St./International Marketplace HEZ
  • Thomas & Arlene Grande Campus/Northeast Corridor HEZ
  • Grassy Creek/Far East HEZ
• Defined key SDOH priorities for each HEZ with extensive community involvement and began implementing strategies to address them.
• Constructed the new Thomas & Arlene Grande Campus, which includes Eskenazi Health Center – Grande, as well as a Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center site, providing a space for diagnostic and rehabilitation services and serving as a cornerstone for the Northeast Corridor HEZ.
• Developed a new workforce of community weavers, community health coordinators and doulas to enhance community outreach and support.
• Established the Regenstrief Center for Health Equity Research at Eskenazi Health (RCHER) and launched 10 studies to evaluate the efficacy of SDOH and health equity initiatives.
• Launched Food as Medicine programs, including Fresh for You Market (FFYM) and FFYM on Wheels, to address food insecurity.
• Screened 80% of patients for SDOH needs, leading to significant improvements in patient care.
• Issued 58,530 food vouchers to combat hunger and food insecurity.
• Welcomed 55 Behavioral Health Academy™ students, 12 care coordinator Pathway students and 27 peer recovery apprentices at the John & Kathy Ackerman Mental Health Professional Development Center (Ackerman Center), helping to build a skilled and diverse workforce.
• Secured long-term sustainability for the Gregory S. Fehribach Center at Eskenazi Health, ensuring continued support towards achieving employment equity for people with physical disabilities.

The Momentum Continues
From the very beginning of the Beyond Barriers Campaign, Eskenazi Health and Eskenazi Health Foundation knew that closing the longevity gap in Indianapolis would not be a short-term effort. While the Beyond Barriers Campaign has officially concluded, the commitment and momentum to advancing health equity remains stronger than ever.

Eskenazi Health Foundation will not only continue raising funds to sustain and expand the transformative programs launched over the past four years, but will also seek new ways to drive lasting change. In January 2025, the Eskenazi Health Foundation Board gathered for a strategic planning retreat to chart the course for future fundraising priorities. With insights from the Regenstrief Center for Health Equity Research (RCHER) studies, Eskenazi Health will sharpen its focus on the most effective initiatives, ensuring that every dollar raised has the greatest possible impact.

The Beyond Barriers Campaign may have reached its official end, but the work is far from over. Together — with the dedication of Eskenazi Health, Eskenazi Health Foundation and the unwavering support of the community — this movement will press forward, breaking barriers, saving lives and building a healthier, more equitable future for all.