The RWJF Commission to Build a Healthier America, which we've touched on here, recently conducted in Philadelphia a second public hearing related to the way in which place (i.e., communities, houses, neighborhoods) determines health. A primary objective of the Commission is to explore the determinants of health beyond access to acute care, which obviously implicates the SDOH. The press release notes:
Research shows social and economic conditions of neighborhoods are linked with a range of health conditions, including mortality, overall health status, chronic conditions, health behaviors, disability, mental health, birth outcomes, injuries and violence. Poor quality and inadequate housing also contribute to health problems such as infectious and chronic diseases, injuries and poor childhood development. In fact, where and how people live, learn, work and play has more impact on their health than medical care.
Indeed. On the Commission website, you can download two issue briefs addressing the role of housing and neighborhood on health. The Commission is doing some important work, both substantively and by signaling (finally!) that stakeholders interested in public health policy cannot ignore the robust evidence demonstrating that social and economic conditions are primary determinants of health. I encourage anyone interested in these issues to make use of the Commission resources.
The next public hearing will be held in Denver in December 2008.
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