Thi The Health Initiative

The Health Initiative (THI) is a not for profit organization that catalyzes new conversations about – and new investments in – the known drivers of health. The U.S. spends ~$12 billion every day on healthcare – even though only ~20% of health outcomes are tied to clinical care. This disconnect is increasingly untenable. Even pre-COVID, 24% of those with commercial health insurance still lacked adequate food, housing, or other basics – driving up healthcare costs. THI works relentlessly to achieve our vision of a health-based economy that equitably invests our country’s public and private dollars in health, not just healthcare – and our aim of increased investments in the known drivers of health, including healthy food, safe homes, and well-paying jobs. As instigator and advisor, THI works intensively with public and private healthcare institutions that control billions of dollars and impact millions of lives (health insurers, federal agencies, state departments of health and human services, and foundations) to partner with communities to invest in health, not just healthcare. With THI’s guidance, these institutions make investing in health central to their strategy, business model, and operations – and engage with communities to mobilize and align resources for healthy food, safe homes, and well-paying jobs while building community wealth and addressing historical health disparities. THI Co-founders Rebecca Onie and Rocco Perla are national leaders whose careers offer critical insights into and experience with the drivers of health, healthcare delivery, and healthcare policy.