The events of 2020 called for us to honor not only our values of equity, compassion, and collaboration, but to uphold our fourth core value: stewardship of the resources entrusted by our donors. With the disruption to routine program work, we collaborated with our largest donors to adapt programs in keeping with their vision. We also hosted our first virtual run to engage Task Force constituents in promoting racial and health equity. From Seattle, Washington, to Washington, DC, 112 participants collectively covered nearly 2,000 miles and raised nearly $7,000 for Black Lives Matter and a clinic serving refugees and others hard-hit by COVID-19 in our home base of Atlanta.
COVID-19 pushed health issues and disparities to the forefront of world attention, and some see this as a moment of opportunity. Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), for example, are diseases of poverty and therefore can serve as indicators. Where NTDs are found, there is a need to strengthen health systems. Likewise, the disparate toll of COVID-19 shines a spotlight on where changes are needed so that all people have equitable access to health services. If we act on them, the devastating lessons of 2020 could move us closer to a time when everyone has the opportunity to live the healthiest life possible, no matter who they are or where they live.