AITF Newsletter - April 2025
Values in Action
In this issue, AITF continues to highlight the critical role anchor institutions play in their communities, especially in times of adversity. With many institutions facing budget constraints, it is more important than ever to reinforce commitments to place-based collaboration, democratic practice, and social equity. Across the country, members are demonstrating resilience and innovation by embedding these principles into cross-sector partnerships and local civic efforts.
Member Spotlight: Nationwide Children’s Hospital - Toledo, OH
This month’s Member Spotlight features Nationwide Children’s Hospital – Toledo, whose approach exemplifies how anchor institutions can embed health equity and community wellbeing into their core operations. Since expanding into the Toledo and Northwest Ohio region in 2022, the Hospital has partnered with local organisations to go beyond clinical care and address the root causes of poor health outcomes for children and families.
At the heart of these efforts is a shared vision with community-based partners to improve health by tackling social and environmental barriers. In a city where every zip code is designated high-risk for childhood lead poisoning, and nearly a third of children live with multiple health conditions, the hospital’s collaborative approach is both timely and essential.
Addressing Lead Exposure and Housing Conditions
Through partnerships with Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity and the Junction Coalition, Nationwide Children’s Hospital – Toledo is helping preserve affordable housing and reduce household lead exposure. Supported by federal CDC grant funding, these efforts include critical roof repairs, lead safety education, and culturally responsive community outreach in historically underserved neighbourhoods such as Junction and North Toledo.
Combating Food Insecurity through Local Collaboration
Recognising that health begins with basic needs, the Hospital has joined forces with Connecting Kids to Meals to respond to widespread food insecurity — affecting one in four children in Lucas County. Hospital staff regularly volunteer, and the institution supports logistics and special projects to ensure that nutritious meals reach children across the city.
Nationwide Children’s Hospital – Toledo illustrates what it means to put Values in Action: strengthening the social fabric of the region through place-based collaboration, health equity initiatives, and strategic community investment. By aligning institutional capacity with local needs, the Hospital is demonstrating how anchor institutions can help build healthier futures — one partnership at a time.
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
AITF Annual Event – November 6, 2025
Join us for our annual in-person dialogue in New York City from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Eastern. This gathering offers an opportunity to reflect on and advance the Values in Action dialogue alongside peer institutions and community partners. Registration is now open: link
Anchor Fellows Call for Applications:
As a reminder, we are still seeking nominations for the Anchor Fellows Program’s sixth cohort. Historically, our Fellows have come to us through nominations by AITF members.
Stay Connected & Get Involved!
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We provide resources, academic publications and updates from the field in each month’s newsletter.
Join us in making 2025 a year of Values in Action!
