Alina Taniuchi
Project Manager
About The Collective for Health Equity
What is CHE?
The Collective for Health Equity (CHE), formerly the National Network to Eliminate Disparities in Behavioral Health (NNED), is a national initiative working alongside community-based organizations (CBOs) to advance health equity through community-led solutions. For nearly two decades, CHE has connected organizations to culturally grounded learning, practical resources, and one another, helping strengthen community-rooted approaches that improve health and wellbeing.
CHE is entering a new chapter. As federal funding has ended, the initiative is being reimagined, building on the strong legacy of the NNED. Guided by the insight of our Collaboration Council, CHE is expanding its focus beyond behavioral health to address the broader factors that shape health outcomes in communities.
OUR VISION:
Communities lead the way in defining, implementing, and achieving holistic health and well-being.
OUR MISSION:
Advancing community-based organizations toward inclusive, responsive, and community-led health equity.
Support this Work
The Collective for Health Equity is made possible through collaboration and the support of partners who share a commitment to advancing health equity and strengthening community-based organizations. Contributions help sustain this growing initiative and the opportunities it creates for connection, shared learning, and collaboration across communities.
About the Collaboration Council
The Collaboration Council is a group of community leaders, practitioners, and partners whose longstanding connections to the NNED and dedication to community-based work helped guide the direction of CHE. Council members bring diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and community knowledge that help ensure the work of CHE remains grounded in the priorities and realities of the communities it seeks to support.
As the initiative entered a new phase, the Collaboration Council was formed to help reimagine how this work could continue and grow. Representing communities and organizations across the country, leaders came together to share insight, reflect on lessons from the field, and help shape the direction of the network moving forward.
Through dialogue, shared learning, and collective insight, the Council helped inform key elements of this next chapter, including the vision, focus, and priorities that guide the Collective for Health Equity today.
Supporters and Funders
Meet the Team
Behind the Collective for Health Equity is a small but dedicated team working alongside community-based organizations, partners, and the Collaboration Council to advance health equity. Our team supports the work of the network by fostering collaboration, creating opportunities for shared learning, and helping connect organizations and leaders committed to strengthening health outcomes in their communities. Guided by community voice and collaboration, our team works to support the relationships, dialogue, and partnerships that move this work forward.
Cachet Evans
Project Coordinator
Cindy Rivera
Project Director
Elizabeth Waetzig
Founding Partner and CEO