We conduct collaborative, interdisciplinary research that puts equity at the forefront. Our work identifies the real health needs of equity-deserving communities living with chronic illness and applies innovative, person-centered solutions to enhance advocacy and drive meaningful policy change in healthcare
EQUIP@Action is composed of a diverse group of faculty members, researchers, healthcare professionals, and students who share a commitment to advancing health
equity. Our team includes experts in nursing, public health, social sciences, and policy advocacy.
To generate knowledge that leads to action by working with—not just for—equity-deserving individuals and communities affected by chronic illness. We strive to uncover and respond to real health needs, amplify the voices of those often left unheard, co-create solutions that influence care, advocacy, and policy.
Our Story, Our Values, Our Impact
EQUIP@Action is a dynamic research hub advancing health equity through innovative, person-centered, and action-oriented research. Led by Dr. Ide Costa, Associate Professor at Lakehead University, our team brings together national and international scholars, healthcare professionals, and students to address the complex realities of chronic illness and its social determinants.
Why EQUIP?
Our name is more than a title—it’s a set of guiding principles:
Equity, Inclusion, Person-centeredness, and Action.
These values shape every aspect of our work, from how we engage with communities to the way we frame research questions and translate findings into action.
At EQUIP@Action, we believe that research must not only identify gaps in care—it must also work alongside those affected to close them.
What Drives Us
We are driven by the urgency to make healthcare more just, inclusive, and effective—especially for those most often excluded or underserved.
Our work addresses the real-world challenges faced by equity-deserving populations living with chronic illness, and responds with solutions that are:
Inclusive, by centering marginalized voices
Transformative, by reimagining what equitable care can look like
Sustainable, by aligning with systems-level change
We are guided by the Quadruple Aim of healthcare improvement, which we approach through an equity lens and a strong commitment to advocacy and policy influence:
Enhancing individual and family experiences
Improving population health outcomes
Supporting healthcare providers in delivering collaborative care
Promoting long-term system sustainability
At EQUIP@Action, we believe these goals can only be met by mobilizing research into advocacy and policy action—ensuring that those most affected help shape the systems that serve them.
Turning Research Into Action
We don’t just aim to publish findings—we aim to move people and policies.
At EQUIP@Action, research is a platform for:
Advocacy, by amplifying the lived experiences of those navigating chronic illness and systemic barriers
Policy mobilization, by using evidence and story to influence meaningful change in healthcare systems
Knowledge translation, by engaging diverse stakeholders in collaborative solutions
Our work is proudly supported by leading Canadian funders, including the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and the Canadian Cancer Society.
Join Us
Together, we can transform healthcare to be more equitable, responsive, and person-centered.
Whether you are a researcher, student, healthcare professional, policymaker, or advocate, we welcome your curiosity, your questions, and your voice.
