Social Determinants of Health
The AHA conducted a national survey of hospitals and health systems to assess the state of population health efforts in 2018. The survey, with responses from more than 1,000 hospitals and health systems, shows that while U.S. hospitals and health systems have embarked on their journeys to advance鈥
Wherever our hospital or health system members are on their population health journey, count on us to support the development and advancement of competencies for accountable, equitable care. View our framework to see more information about the population health agenda.
Learn about partnering with communities to understand and respond to the social and structural conditions that impact the health status of community residents.
The COVID-19 pandemic has illuminated health inequities we face as a nation. But we鈥檙e also seeing innovation in all aspects of care delivery and community collaboration and partnerships to address these challenges. We know that the homes where people live and their support networks of family and鈥
鈥淎chieving health equity is a journey,鈥 write Priya Bathija, AHA vice president of strategic initiatives, and Julia Resnick, senior program manager. To bridge the gap between commitment and action, they discuss AHA鈥檚 new resource, Societal Factors that Influence Health: A Framework for Hospitals.
The COVID-19 pandemic has placed spotlight on health inequities in the United States. It has illuminated that, regardless of access to health care services, social and economic circumstances make some people more likely than others to become ill or have poor health.
Augusta Health, in Fishersville, Virginia, partnered with the Allegheny Mountain Institute to create the AMI Farm at Augusta Health, which provides food for use at the hospital, serves as a hub for nutrition and sustainable agriculture education and offers nutrient-dense foods to community members鈥
Parkland Hospital & Health System uses social determinants of health data to guide its efforts to reduce incidents of breast cancer in women who are economically vulnerable and experience challenges accessing care.
Parkland Health & Hospital System 鈥 Dallas, Texas
Using SDOH Data to Reduce Breast Cancer
The spread of COVID-19 revealed systemic cracks in the social needs and public health infrastructure of communities 鈥 inequities that have existed for decades.