our mission

Why Health Matters’ mission is to empower women by providing them with evidence-based resources to help them and their families live their healthiest lives. We are committed to improving the mental, spiritual, emotional and physical health of all people — especially those who continue to be systematically excluded — by advocating for health equity for all.

why we care

Led by Alisahah J. Jackson, MD, Why Health Matters empowers women by providing them with evidence-based resources to help them live their healthiest lives — and help their families and communities do the same.

FOR YOU

Women commonly put their own health last in their priorities list. Why Health Matters is helping women take control.

FOR YOUR FAMILY

Women make an estimated 80% of the healthcare decisions their families face. We’re ensuring they can navigate those decisions with confidence.

FOR YOUR COMMUNITY

When your community is healthier, so are you and your family. We’re encouraging women to get involved.

About Alisahah J. Jackson, MD

Founder and CEO of Why Health Matters, Alisahah J. Jackson, MD is a healthcare leader and staunch advocate for health equity, fighting for all people to have the opportunity to be healthy — regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, income or any other attribute.

Dr. Jackson currently serves as the Inaugural President of the Lloyd H. Dean Institute for Humankindness & Health Justice. As a clinical, academic and operations leader for multiple large health systems, she has designed strategies to improve population health, help vulnerable groups and drive health equity. She also serves on the national board of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, a nonprofit dedicated to building resilient and inclusive communities across the country. In 2021, Dr. Jackson was named to Diversity MBA’s list of Top 100 Under 50 Emerging and Executive Leaders.

Dr. Jackson earned her medical degree from Wright State University School of Medicine in Dayton, Ohio, where she was a National Health Service Corp Scholar. During her residency, she focused her interest in serving those who are systematically excluded from healthcare — a passion that has never wavered.

making a difference

Pegasus Award

Presented by the Public Relations Society of America and its local chapters, the Pegasus Award (2019) celebrated Dr. Jackson’s contributions to her community and exc

Maribelle Connerat Award

The Maribelle Connerat Award (2017) honored Dr. Jackon for her “exemplary leadership in healthcare innovation and servant leadership.”

North Carolina Institute of Medicine Appointee

Dr. Jackson was welcomed as a member of this prestigious group in 2019, which seeks to advance health policy for a healthier North Carolina.

Diversity MBA Top 100 Executive Leaders

For her industry impact, Dr. Cole was recognized as one of Diversity MBA’s Top 100 under 50 Executive and Emerging Leaders in corporate America (2021).

Board Service

Dr. Cole serves on two boards of directors — the CommonSpirit Health Foundation and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC).