Social Determinants of Health

1. Social Determinants of Health Group VIII

2. 1) Public Policy Problem • Poor health status of Americans due to the neglect of non-medical contributors to health

3. 2) Dimensions of the problem • The U.S. ranks 23rd in the world in life expectancy, yet ranks first in healthcare spending • 50% of health problems are attributable to social, economic, and environmental factors • Disadvantaged Americans are exposed to non-medical risks that produce poor health and diminished life chances

4. 3) Rationale for Pursuing this Problem • America is not getting good value for its health care spending • Improving population health could: • Enhance the productivity of the workforce • Boost the national economy • Reduce healthcare expenditures • Improve the lives of all Americans • Investing in disadvantaged communities will advance America’s health

5. Goals • To develop a multi-sector model for improving health by engaging leaders from communities, businesses, civic organizations, education, urban planning, and health and healthcare. • To reduce morbidity and mortality through this process

6. 4) Stakeholders—supporters • APHA • State and territorial health officers • Children’s Defense Fund • Community Action Partnership • La Raza • National Hispanic Medical Association • National Medical Association • Families USA

7. 4) Stakeholders—supporters Congressional Black Caucus Congressional Hispanic Caucus Asian/Pacific-Islander Caucus Rural Health Caucus Rural Action Network Faith-based organizations

8. 4) Stakeholders—opposers • Budget/fiscal conservatives • Housing, environment, education may prefer direct allocations

9. To refine and expand community-based partnership models for improving population health To develop a broad-based coalition among supporters: explore a legislative strategy identify alternate funding mechanisms (federal vs foundations vs state/local vs conversion funds) identify possible pilot communities develop marketing/communication 5) Action Plan