Apr 05, 2021 - 08:50 AM by Rod Hochman, M.D.
We know that a person’s health is influenced more by their social and economic circumstances than by access to medical services. However, making a real difference for people who struggle with social needs remains a significant challenge.
Hospitals and health systems working with community partners can play a key role in this area, and the AHA has developed a number of resources to assist.
The AHA’s Societal Factors that Influence Health Framework can guide hospitals’ strategies to address the social needs of their patients, social determinants of health in their communities and the systemic causes that lead to health inequities. Other tools, including a new resource on how hospitals can address housing insecurity in their communities, are available on AHA’s webpage.