Informatii generale
About us
The SASTIPEN Association – Roma Center for Health Policies is a nongovernmental organization dedicated to promoting the right to health, social inclusion, and combating discrimination. We work alongside communities, authorities, and partners to reduce inequalities and support the development of vulnerable communities.
Who we are
The SASTIPEN Association – Roma Center for Health Policies, established in 2007, is a nongovernmental organization dedicated to social inclusion, improving access to health services, and strengthening the participation of Roma communities in public policy development.
The organization promotes social dialogue and the active involvement of Roma and non-Roma citizens in decision-making processes that influence public health and community development. SASTIPEN advocates for equal rights, combating discrimination, and equitable access to public services.
Its work includes research, advocacy, and public policy monitoring, interventions in vulnerable communities, and community development. Over time, it has developed integrated community centers and contributed to the professionalization of the network of health mediators, promoting sustainable models of inclusion.
History
The SASTIPEN Association – Roma Center for Health Policies was established in 2007 in response to the need to improve Roma communities’ access to health services and to increase their participation in the development of public policies. At that time, Roma people faced numerous social, economic, and institutional barriers in accessing medical services, which called for specialized community health interventions.
In its early years, the organization focused on research and advocacy, producing studies on access to health services and promoting dialogue with authorities for more inclusive policies. Later, its work expanded toward health mediation, the development of integrated community centers, specialist training, and public policy monitoring.
SASTIPEN became an active actor in institutional dialogue and in European initiatives dedicated to Roma inclusion and is today a recognized partner of authorities and civil society.
Mission
“Your health, our priority!” expresses the commitment of SASTIPEN – the Roma Center for Health Policies to promote health as a fundamental right of every person, regardless of origin, social status, or living environment. The organization acts primarily in support of Roma communities and other vulnerable groups to ensure real and equitable access to quality medical services and essential social services.
By collaborating with communities, public authorities, and institutional partners, SASTIPEN develops programs that help reduce structural barriers and discrimination. Its work is based on research, community interventions, and advocacy initiatives through which people’s real needs are transformed into concrete solutions and sustainable public policies designed to reduce inequalities and strengthen a fairer, more inclusive, and more supportive society.
Vision
The vision of the SASTIPEN Association – Roma Center for Health Policies is summarized by the message “Your health, our priority!”, which reflects the commitment to help build an inclusive society in which every person, regardless of ethnic origin, social status, or place of residence, benefits from equal access to quality health and social services.
SASTIPEN envisions a society that respects diversity, in which people live with dignity, solidarity, and safety, and in which public institutions respond effectively to the needs of all citizens. The organization promotes equal opportunities and access to integrated services adapted to the real needs of communities.
For SASTIPEN, health is not a privilege but a fundamental right that must be guaranteed to everyone, and vulnerable communities are supported through responsible public policies and concrete actions for social inclusion.
Founder’s message
“The Roma Center for Health Policies Association – SASTIPEN was founded out of the desire to change the harsh realities I witnessed directly in communities, where far too many people lacked access to basic medical services or were treated with indifference and discrimination. We started from the deep conviction that health is a fundamental right and that every person deserves quality care, respect, and dignity, regardless of ethnicity or social status. The slogan ‘Your health, our priority’ reflects this mission. Over time, I understood that health cannot be separated from education, living conditions, and social inclusion. That is why, through research, community interventions, training, and advocacy, SASTIPEN works alongside people, institutions, and specialists to remove existing barriers and build lasting solutions that offer real chances for a healthy and dignified life for everyone, without exception.”
Dr. Soc. Daniel Radulescu
Founding member
Our evolution
2007–2009
Establishment and definition of the strategic vision
Established in 2007, SASTIPEN defined its vision, mission, and strategic directions during 2007–2009 in response to the need to improve Roma people’s access to health services. The first research projects were carried out, partnerships were established, and advocacy actions and dialogue with authorities were initiated.
2009–2012
Intervention and public affirmation
Between 2009 and 2012, SASTIPEN carried out direct interventions in communities, documented cases of discrimination in access to health, and gained public visibility. It was also during this period that the project for integrated community service centers took shape and the strengthening of the health mediation program began.
2012–2016
Institutional consolidation and operational expansion
During 2012–2016, SASTIPEN strengthened its institutional capacity and expanded interventions at regional and national level. The organization developed community health programs, professionalized health mediation, and strengthened partnerships with authorities and NGOs, becoming a relevant actor in promoting inclusion and access to services.
2016–2020
Development of integrated services and advocacy
Between 2016 and 2020, SASTIPEN developed integrated medical-social services in vulnerable communities and provided technical assistance to local authorities for creating community centers. The work included applied research and the development of local and county-level public policy recommendations for Roma inclusion.
2020–2024
Strategic consolidation and growing impact
Between 2020 and 2024, SASTIPEN strengthened its strategic role at national level by developing complex projects and durable institutional partnerships. The organization intensified research, public policy monitoring, and advocacy activities, expanding the impact of its interventions in communities and contributing to systemic solutions for Roma inclusion and reducing inequalities.
2024–present
Innovation, scaling, and institutional leadership
Starting in 2024, SASTIPEN has been consolidating its role as an institutional leader through innovative initiatives and the large-scale expansion of intervention models previously developed. The organization promotes integrated solutions, supports authorities in developing services, and contributes to sustainable public policies with structural impact on Roma inclusion.
Main areas of interest
01
Public health and access to medical services
Promoting equitable access to health services, prevention, health education, health mediation, and interventions in vulnerable communities.
02
Social inclusion and community development
Supporting communities, reducing poverty and exclusion, facilitating access to social services, and developing local capacity.
03
Integrated medical-social services
Developing and supporting integrated community centers that provide medical, social, and educational services adapted to real needs.
04
Research and public policy monitoring
Studies, analyses, evaluations, and monitoring of policy implementation in the fields of health, Roma inclusion, and human rights.
05
Advocacy and Roma rights
Promoting equal opportunities, combating discrimination, and influencing public policies at local, national, and European level.
06
Training, technical assistance, and institutional development
Training programs for professionals, support for local public authorities, and strengthening the capacity of organizations and communities.
Partners
SASTIPEN collaborates with a wide range of partners, including local and central public authorities, institutions in the fields of health and social assistance, nongovernmental organizations, academic institutions, and national and European bodies. It also cooperates directly with local communities, informal leaders, and professionals working in the field. These partnerships enable the development of integrated programs, research projects, training activities, and advocacy initiatives meant to improve access to services and social inclusion.
Networking
At European level, SASTIPEN is a member of ERGO Network (European Roma Grassroots Organisations Network), a platform that brings together Roma and pro-Roma organizations from numerous countries and promotes civic participation, equal opportunities, and influence over European Union policies on Roma inclusion. At national level, SASTIPEN is part of Roma Forum, an informal network of Roma and pro-Roma organizations in Romania that facilitates cooperation, exchange of experience, and joint advocacy initiatives for rights and social inclusion.
Founding members and Board of Directors
SASTIPEN’s founding members and Board of Directors ensure the organization’s strategic leadership and continuity. Daniel Rădulescu, president and founding member, coordinates the general direction and institutional representation. Eugenia Bratu and Geanina Rădulescu, founding members, contribute to the organization’s development and to defining priorities. Anuți Radu Andrei, program director, coordinates project implementation and operational activities, ensuring the impact of interventions in communities.
Dr. Soc. Daniel Radulescu
Founding Member and President
Dr. Eugenia Bratu
Founding Member
Geanina Radulescu
Founding Member
Anuti Radu Andrei
Program Director
SASTIPEN Team and Collaborators
The SASTIPEN team is made up of specialists with more than 10 years of experience in organizational management, management of projects funded through European funds, research, advocacy, public policies, monitoring, and training, alongside experts in public health, social assistance, human rights, and psychology.
An essential working principle of SASTIPEN is collaboration with local human resources from the communities where projects are implemented, valuing the knowledge and experience of people in the field. This participatory approach contributes to the development of relevant, effective, and sustainable interventions adapted to the real needs of vulnerable communities.
Over time, SASTIPEN has collaborated with more than 350 local-level people and more than 50 experts at central level, who have significantly contributed to the quality of interventions and the impact of the projects carried out.