Zebra Strategies

09/03/2025

“To improve health outcomes, we must address the social determinants of health.”
-Dr. Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, former president of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Dr. Lavizzo-Mourey points to a vital reality. Health is shaped by many factors outside the clinic, including housing, education, and access to resources.

At Zebra Strategies, we center our work on these social factors. By elevating voices from underserved communities, we provide the insights necessary to create effective, equitable health solutions.

True health improvement requires looking beyond symptoms to the full picture of people’s lives.

08/29/2025

“Research is creating new knowledge to solve real-world problems.”
-Dr. Francis Collins, geneticist and former NIH director

Dr. Collins reminds us that research is more than data. It is a powerful tool to address real challenges and improve lives.

At Zebra Strategies, we focus on generating insights that drive meaningful solutions. By partnering closely with underserved communities, we ensure the knowledge we create is grounded in real experiences and leads to real change.

Effective research starts with listening, understanding, and applying new knowledge to make a difference where it matters most.

08/27/2025

Regional Disparities in Dementia Diagnosis

A recent study by Michigan Medicine finds that Medicare beneficiaries in certain regions are up to 36% more likely to be diagnosed with dementia, even when health risks are similar.

These differences are most notable among younger seniors and communities of color, highlighting how diagnostic practices vary by location.

At Zebra Strategies, we believe equitable healthcare requires addressing these systemic gaps to ensure consistent and fair diagnosis and care across all communities.


Read more:

Dementia risks vary by person and by population. But a new study shows diagnosis of the disease varies by region even after those differences are taken into account.

08/26/2025

Addressing Maternal Mortality Disparities in Rural Georgia

A recent CDC study sheds light on the high rates of maternal mortality among Black women in rural Georgia, driven by systemic barriers like limited healthcare access and social determinants of health. The study underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions and policies that address these inequities and improve outcomes for this vulnerable population.

At Zebra Strategies, we recognize that understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by underserved communities is essential for advancing health equity. By partnering authentically with these populations, we aim to support solutions that are culturally relevant and effective.


Read more:

Preventing Chronic Disease (PCD) is a peer-reviewed electronic journal established by the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. PCD provides an open exchange of information and knowledge among researchers, practitioners, policy makers, and others who strive to improve....

08/22/2025

New Report Highlights Practical Approaches to Health Equity

Kearney’s 2024 report explores how healthcare organizations are tackling health disparities with real-world solutions. From addressing social needs to redesigning care models, it shows what’s working in the push for equity.

The article highlights the approaches that seem to be the most effective:
- Stronger community partnerships and equity-driven leadership
- Use of value-based care to expand access
- Case studies focused on women’s health and underserved populations

At Zebra Strategies, we support research that centers the voices of real people. Our work helps organizations design solutions that actually reflect the communities they serve.

Read the full report: https://ow.ly/2EPj50WnWUB

/PRNewswire/ -- Global strategy and management consultancy Kearney today released its first report on the state of health equity in the U.S. The report,...

08/20/2025

“Health disparities are unacceptable and preventable.”
- Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association

Dr. Benjamin’s statement speaks to a fundamental truth: health disparities should never be tolerated. At Zebra Strategies, a research firm led by women and minorities with a strong commitment to equity, we work to identify and address these preventable gaps.

Our mission is to elevate the voices of underserved communities through thoughtful, respectful research. By shining a light on health inequities, we help organizations develop solutions that are both effective and just.

Eliminating health disparities requires focused effort, listening, and action. Together, we can build healthier, more equitable communities for all.

08/18/2025

Healthcare Affordability Crisis Reaches Record High in the U.S.

A new West Health analysis reveals that 35% of Americans, roughly 91 million people, are currently unable to afford quality healthcare.

Key findings include:
- 46% of Black households and 52% of Hispanic households now face cost barriers to care
- In 2024, Americans took on an estimated $74 billion in debt just to pay for medical expenses

Zebra Strategies aims to use research to not only identify inequities but also help organizations take meaningful action. By highlighting affordability issues and measuring disparities, our insights guide health systems, nonprofits, and community leaders working to improve access to care.

Read the full report: https://ow.ly/Tbh450WnWNQ

Read the news item about Inability to Pay for Healthcare Reaches Record High in U.S. from West Health.

08/15/2025

🌿✨ Happy National Relaxation Day! 🎉

Today we’re pressing pause to celebrate the power of rest. Whether it's a long walk, a favorite book, a deep breath between meetings, or just a few quiet moments to yourself, relaxation is essential, not optional.

At Zebra Strategies, we know that caring for others starts with caring for ourselves. Our work in amplifying underrepresented voices and engaging diverse communities is meaningful, and it requires presence, patience, and energy. That’s why we value rest as a vital part of the process.

On this National Relaxation Day, we honor the importance of slowing down, recharging, and making space for well-being, whether it is in our work, our communities, or ourselves. So today, take a moment for YOU. 💆🏾‍♀️🫖

08/15/2025

Connecting Diverse Communities to Meaningful Research: Lessons from the Florida Statewide Registry for Aging Studies

As we navigate the complexities of healthcare and aging, it’s essential to prioritize inclusivity. The Florida Statewide Registry for Aging Studies (FSRAS) has shown us that when it comes to health research, reaching underserved communities requires innovative strategies and a foundation of trust.

At Zebra Strategies, we understand that community engagement is key to amplifying voices that are often overlooked in health studies. The FSRAS study, which successfully enrolled over 1,600 adults, is a perfect example of how we can use diverse strategies like technology, social media, and community-driven insights to engage hard-to-reach populations.

Read more here: https://ow.ly/3Cnm50WnVHn

The purpose of this report is to describe the community engagement research (CEnR) strategies used to implement the Florida Statewide Registry for Agi…

08/13/2025

Community-Engaged Research as a Pathway to Oral Health Equity

A recent study in “Frontiers in Public Health” highlights how community-engaged research initiatives in Texas are making measurable progress in addressing oral health disparities through trust, time, and genuine partnership. Sustainable health equity depends on collaboration that respects the knowledge and experiences of the community.

Zebra Strategies prioritizes building authentic partnerships with underserved populations to ensure that research efforts are rooted in trust and cultural understanding. We know that meaningful engagement drives better outcomes and more accurate insights.


Read more:

Solutions to advance oral health equity require a deeper understanding only achieved though partnership with the communities deeply impacted by barriers to c...

08/11/2025

“The greatest wealth is health.” — Virgil

This timeless quote from the Roman poet Virgil is still true today. Without health, it becomes difficult to pursue education, build economic stability, or enjoy daily life.

At Zebra Strategies, we explore how social and environmental conditions shape people’s ability to stay healthy. From limited access to care to unsafe living environments, many communities face challenges that others do not. Our research helps identify those barriers so we can bring solutions into focus.

08/07/2025

Understanding Obesity Through Genetics and Behavior

A recent study published in Obesity Medicine explores how genetic traits and behavioral patterns influence obesity risk in young women. This research highlights the need for holistic approaches that take both biology and behavior into account when addressing obesity.

As a certified woman and minority owned research firm, Zebra Strategies helps to uncover how external factors can affect health outcomes. By listening closely to communities and capturing the full picture through qualitative and quantitative research, we help our partners develop health strategies that are grounded in real experiences and situations to establish better care.

Read the full study here: https://ow.ly/mvc750WgmJF

We identified disparities in treatment effectiveness by race/ethnicity, sex/gender, and disability status. There were equivocal results regarding whether outcomes varied by socioeconomic status (SES) and there was no evidence for a rural/urban disparity. A different pattern emerged for treatment acc...