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Formerly known as the Community Health Equity Catalyst Strategy (CHECS)

Ascension St. John Health Equity Initiative

The Ascension St. John Foundation and community partners seek to improve health and well-being in the City of Tulsa, OK. The work is guided by data showing significant health disparities between residents of local zip codes and population groups. Recognizing that a variety of factors shape and influence health, the Ascension St. John Health Equity Initiative addresses health care, social and environmental drivers of health. 

Our Values

  • Equity
  • Collaboration
  • Humility
  • Accountability

Annual Report

Strengthening Our Community

Guided by the values of equity, collaboration, humility, and accountability, our mission is to improve health outcomes and increase health equity in the City of Tulsa. Our vision is that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible.

Health Equity Initiative Strategies

To improve health and well-being in Tulsa, OK

Medical Access Programs (MAP)

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The Bedrock Initiative

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Health Equity Grants

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Medical Access Programs (MAP)

MAP supports services offered by local safety net health clinics and other providers

MAP Ecosystem

MAP support is invitation-only (no solicitations accepted)
Medical Access Programs ensure low-income and underserved populations have access to healthcare, dental and mental health services through:

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 3 John 1:2

The Bedrock Initiative

The Bedrock Initiative is committed to supporting faith-based communities in fostering the overall health and well-being of their congregations, with a particular focus on improving heart health.

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Health Equity Grant Funding

Applicants are encouraged to attend the upcoming information session.

The process to be considered for funding starts by completing an Inquiry form, similar to a Letter of Inquiry, which will be available online from June 4 - 20, 2025. Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit or government agency serving the City of Tulsa, OK is eligible to apply. Once each Inquiry is evaluated, a limited number will be invited to complete the full Application to be considered for Health Equity Grant funding.

Information Session

The Health Equity Grant Information Sessions will be Tuesday, June 3, 2025

RSVPs are required. Join us at:
10:00am IN-PERSON

or
2:00pm VIRTUALLY

RSVP Here

Health Equity Grant Guidelines

Grant applicants should be able to describe how the funding will allow them to do something they otherwise would not be able to do. In certain cases Health Equity grants can replace expired grant funding for successful programs, but are otherwise not intended to maintain current operations. The Health Equity Initiative does not support galas, benefits, fundraising activities, conferences, symposia, or costs associated with indirect rates or administration fees for projects submitted by universities.

As a Ministry of the Catholic Church, the Health Equity Initiative does not promote or condone practices that are contrary to the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, including contraceptive practices, direct abortions, and some reproductive technologies.

Past Grantees

Formerly known as MAP or Beacon Grants
Funding to local programs and partners is key to achieving the Ascension St. John Health Equity Initiative vision of ensuring that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible

2025 Health Equity Grant Awards

Addressing Social Drivers of Health

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2024 Beacon Grant Awards

Addressing Social Drivers of Health

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2023 Beacon Grant Awards

Addressing Social Drivers of Health

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2022 Beacon Grant Awards

Addressing Social Drivers of Health

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MAP Grant Awards

Medical Access Program (MAP) Grants

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Multi-year Grant Awards

Community Transformation Grants and Capital Campaigns

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