Beyond Barriers


SIXTEEN MILES EQUALS SIXTEEN YEARS
That’s the difference in life expectancy between zip code 46201 and 46250…and that gap is widening. Despite the fact we live in a region where health care options are abundant, right here in our midst, our underserved continue to suffer at globally disproportionate rates.
Eighty percent of our health is shaped by Social Determinants of Health. Thinking another way, traditionally delivered medical care contributes only 20% to reducing premature death. To radically transform outcomes, Eskenazi Health must integrate medical care with social care. The Beyond Barriers Campaign represents a deliberate decision to focus philanthropy at the point of greatest opportunity.
- Health Care
- Mental Health Care
- Food as Medicine
- Health Equity Zones
- Campaign Leadership
- Support the Campaign
HEALTH AND POVERTY ARE INEXTRICABLY LINKED
Transforming both requires solving the underlying social problems impacting well-being often termed social determinants of health.
Those living in poverty disproportionately face so many health challenges. Challenges such as disability, mental health, medical issues and substance use disorder impede education and job opportunities, limit child and adult brain development, contribute to violence in our city and reduce quality of life. Change will not happen quickly. But it must start now.
The BeyondBarriers campaign launches a commitment to generational change—collaboratively improving life expectancy in Indianapolis. The goal is to leverage Eskenazi Health’s strengths and partnerships through a first-of-its-kind integrated and sustainable model to create life expectancy equity for everyone in Indianapolis.
The future of health care is not about helping more sick people get better, it is about having fewer people getting sick.

CAMPAIGN PILLARS
To truly change our community, all of the Social Determinants of Health must be addressed. But this campaign is focused on real change in three areas: HEALTH CARE – creating the conditions for healthy living, MENTAL HEALTH CARE – fostering resilience and healthy mindset, and FOOD AS MEDICINE – access to eating healthful and nutritious food.
Learn more below about each pillar and how the philanthropic investments are already making changes in our communities.
BEYOND BARRIERS IN THE NEWS
July 18 WISH -Eskenazi Health opens mobile food pantry to make healthy food accessible
July 18 WFYI – Mobile fresh food market headed to Indianapolis neighborhoods
July 18 WTHR13 – Eskenazi’s ‘Fresh For You Market on Wheels’ now open
July 18. WRTV – Eskenazi Health ‘Fresh For You Market on Wheels’ unveiled
April 25 Healthcare Innovation – Eskenazi Health Campaign to Create Health Equity Zones in Indianapolis
April 24 WFYI – Eskenazi Health’s $60 million campaign aims to improve health equity in Indianapolis
April 18 WTHR13 – Eskenazi Health addressing health inequity with new initiative
March 30 Indianapolis Recorder – Eskenazi Health announces health equity initiative to increase life expectancy
March 29 Indianapolis Business Journal – Eskenazi Health launches $60M campaign to reduce health disparities
March 29 WISH – Eskenazi Health $60M campaign aims to eliminate health disparities in central Indiana
March 29 Inside Indiana Business – Eskenazi launches $60M campaign to reduce health disparities
March 27 Becker’s Hospital Review – Eskenazi Health launches $60M health equity program
March 27 Indianapolis Star – Eskenazi unveils ambitious effort to combat health inequities in Indianapolis
STAY UP TO DATE
Would you like the latest updates on how Eskenazi Health Foundation is moving our community Beyond Barriers? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates and learn more about opportunities to get engaged and involved in improving life expectancy throughout Central Indiana.