Recognizing that "undoing racism," and embracing cultural diversity are keys to eliminating persistent health disparities in the city of Boston, the Boston Public Health Commission led a multi-faceted initiative that began with an institutional assessment in which the Commission asked the question, "how is racism at play here?"

A community/academic partnership transforms vacant lots into community gardens in urban neighborhoods throughout Denver, creating new opportunities for physical activity, healthy eating and social connections among community residents, survivors of abuse and homeless people.

In the rural town of Wray, Colorado a coalition builds a neighborhood walking path, basketball court and other features to make fitness fun for people of all ages by soliciting community buy-in and creating social support for activity.

Food and activity advocates in New York City are collaborating to develop a comprehensive and long-term plan for making changes to food and activity environments, particularly in high-need neighborhoods. Funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the New York City Food and Fitness Partnership is increasing access to healthy food in communities and enhancing opportunities for active living.

The Boston Indicators Project, initiated in 1997 with its first formal report released in 2000, issues biennial indicator reports with measures of progress in sectors that are directly related to social determinants of health and conditions in Boston's communities that either promote or detract from the health of residents.

Initiated in 1998 by The Center for Community Solutions and United Way of Greater Cleveland, the Social Indicators Project includes a six-volume series of reports outlining the social and health trends of the eight-county Northeast Ohio area.

Alameda County, California experiences severe disparities in health outcomes and related disparities in education, poverty level, and housing. The depth of these disparities was first documented in the Alameda County Health Status Report (CHSR) 2000, and reiterated in the subsequent 2003 and 2006 Status Reports. Data from the CHSRs have sparked debate among residents and policy makers, and guided the Alameda County Public Health Department leadership to accelerate conversations about broadening the department's efforts to work more closely with community partners to address the social conditions that create health inequities. Funding for this report was provided by Public Health Foundation.

In Western New York State's Monroe County, like in other New York counties, the rate of childhood lead poisoning was alarming, especially among low-income children. In response, the Coalition to Prevent Childhood Lead Poisoning was established in 2000 with a mission to "end childhood lead poisoning in Monroe County in 2010". Recognized by then-U.S. Senator Hilary Rodham Clinton as a "national model" for reducing childhood lead poisoning, the county coalition's efforts have cut childhood lead poisoning rates by 72% in eight years.

In partnership with their local hospital and CPPW-funded health department, Kwik Trip convenience stores, headquartered in La Crosse, Wisconsin, joined the 500 Club, highlighting healthier alternatives to customers in all twenty-one of their La Crosse county stores.

In Bartholomew County, Indiana, the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce has worked with two other local groups to create Reach Healthy Business, a workplace recognition program designed to support companies who are committed to creating a workplace that supports employee health.