The health equity portfolio at the Center of Excellence explores the question of what works best for whom, when and under what conditions?¹ Achieving the goal of equitable access to quality behavioral health care and equitable population-level outcomes requires recognition of the socioeconomic and cultural factors that influence the opportunity to achieve optimal behavioral health. The Center of Excellence contributes to health equity within the behavioral health system by conducting research and evaluation to inform policy. By bringing the best available data to policymakers, the Center of Excellence can help children and families have access to needed behavioral health care, so that all can thrive.

¹Pawson, R., & Tilley, N. (1997). Realistic Evaluation. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.