Understanding Social Determinants of Health

Sep 8, 2024

Lecture on Social Determinants of Health

Introduction

  • Speaker: Admiral Rachel Levine, Assistant Secretary for Health at the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
  • Initiative: Healthy People 2030
    • Longest-running disease prevention and health promotion initiative in the US.
    • Focus on social determinants of health to promote health and well-being for all.

Definition

  • Social determinants of health: Conditions in environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age.
  • Impact on health, well-being, and contribution to health disparities and inequities.

Framework: Five Domains of Social Determinants of Health

  1. Economic Stability

    • Steady employment reduces poverty risk and increases health.
    • Goal: Achieve economic stability for all by supporting steady income opportunities.
  2. Education Access and Quality

    • Higher education levels correlate with better health and longer life expectancy.
    • Goal: Improve educational access and quality by supporting student success.
  3. Healthcare Access and Quality

    • Many lack access to necessary healthcare services.
    • Goal: Increase access to high-quality healthcare services to help individuals reach their full health potential.
  4. Neighborhood and Built Environment

    • Health risks from unsafe air, water, and high violence rates affect quality of life.
    • Goal: Create safe communities to enhance opportunities for play and physical activity.
  5. Social and Community Context

    • Strong relationships with family, friends, neighbors, and community can benefit health and well-being.

Conclusion

  • To learn more about efforts to address social determinants of health nationwide, visit Healthy People by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.