John Muir Health Partners with Rise Up Against Racism to Fill Communities with Diverse Books
Rise Up Against Racism awarded a community benefit grant to bring antiracist books to under-resourced communities in Contra Costa County, California.
John Muir Health, a not-for-profit health care system dedicated to providing the highest quality patient care in the San Francisco Bay Area, has provided community grant funding to support Rise Up Against Racism’s antiracist initiatives in Contra Costa County, California. The partnership aligns with John Muir Health’s mission to improve the health of the communities it serves with quality and compassion so that all residents can achieve and maintain optimal physical and mental health. And, given that policymakers from over 50 American municipalities and three states have formally highlighted racism as a public health crisis, (Harvard School of Public Health), advancing racial equity and justice by guiding others into antiracist work is more imperative than ever.
By providing ready access to books that elevate marginalized voices and diverse perspectives, Rise Up Against Racism hopes to spark conversation and inspire community members to take action. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, to build a healthier America for all, we must confront the systems and policies that have resulted in the generational injustice that has given rise to racial and ethnic health inequities. Rise Up Against Racism will use the funding to bring additional Little Free Antiracist Libraries to under-resourced areas in Contra Costa County, to add new books to existing libraries, and commission additional artists to transform its libraries into functional pieces of community art.
“With the support of John Muir Health, we will be able to fill our Little Free Antiracist Libraries with even more impactful books from incredible authors. Our additions will highlight stories about the immigrant experience in America, center LatinX and Latin American perspectives, celebrate Muslim heritage, honor Asian American + Pacific Islander identities, highlight new works by Black authors, and examine LGBTQIA2+ and gender intersectionality,” said Sarah Foster, co-founder of Rise Up Against Racism. “In addition, we will be adding bilingual books to put all of these works in the hands of our communities in a time that is more crucial than ever.”
“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Rise Up Against Racism,” said Jamie Elmasu, Director of Community Health Improvement for John Muir Health. “We are dedicated to improving the health of the communities we serve, and we’re honored to help this Bay-area-based organization further its mission.”
“Our work at Rise Up Against Racism centers on amplifying the perspectives, lived experiences, and contributions of marginalized people,” said Rise Up Against Racism co-founder, Meg Honey. “The partnership with John Muir Health will be instrumental as we work to disrupt racism with books that inform, uplift, and inspire. We look forward to installing our Little Free Antiracist Libraries in more communities across our region as well as adding new selections to our curated collection of antiracist books.”
In addition to their work in the community, Rise Up Against Racism also partners with schools to augment their library collections with additional books. “Guided by the research of Dr. Rudine Bishop, we support schools in the work of including books that serve as windows, mirrors, and sliding doors. We believe it is critical for every child to see themselves reflected in the books they read. Studies also show that when children see themselves in books, they are far more likely to become enthusiastic readers (First Book Research),” said Jenny Roy, co-founder of Rise Up Against Racism.
About Rise Up Against Racism
Founded in 2020, Rise Up Against Racism is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that centers on the idea that education can radically transform society. Its antiracist libraries are intended to inspire lifelong learning and drive change. Purchased from Marcus Books in Oakland, the nation’s oldest Black-owned bookstore, RUAR’s books span multiple reading levels and provide powerful sources of inspiration, vital historical context, and important lessons for readers of all ages. A complete list of library locations and books included in RUAR’s collection is available on its website at ruar.org.
About John Muir Health
John Muir Health is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit health care organization east of San Francisco serving patients in Contra Costa, Alameda and southern Solano Counties. It includes a network of more than 1,000 primary care and specialty physicians, more than 6,000 employees, medical centers in Concord and Walnut Creek, including Contra Costa County’s only trauma center, and a Behavioral Health Center. John Muir Health also has partnerships with UCSF Health, Tenet Healthcare/San Ramon Regional Medical Center and Stanford Children's Health. The health system offers a full-range of medical services, including primary care, outpatient and imaging services, and is widely recognized as a leader in many specialties – neurosciences, orthopedic, cancer, gynecologic surgery, cardiovascular, trauma, emergency, pediatrics and high-risk obstetrics care.