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Social Determinants of Health

Addressing social determinants of health is a primary approach to achieving health equity. Health equity is “when everyone has the opportunity to ‘attain their full health potential’ and no one is ‘disadvantaged from achieving this potential because of their social position or other socially determined circumstance’” (Brennan Ramirez & Metzler, 2008). These community-based recommendations span a wide range of health equity topics including healthcare access and quality; neighborhoods and built environments; education access and quality; social and community context; and economic stability.  

 

If you would like to delve into our Recommendation Tracker, click here. 

 

*** Source: Brennan Ramirez, L.K., Metzler, M. (2008). Promoting Health Equity: A Resource to Help Communities Address Social Determinants of Health. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services. 



Healthcare Access and Quality 

The availability, affordability, appropriateness, and effectiveness of healthcare services. It encompasses physical access to healthcare facilities and services, medication and pharmacy access, and provider availability, as well as the quality of care provided 


Neighborhood and Environment 

This refers to the physical, social, and economic characteristics of the places where people live and work, which can impact their health and well-being.  


Education Access and Quality 

This refers to the availability, affordability, and quality of educational opportunities, as well as the impact of education on health literacy and health outcomes. 


Social and Community Context

Refers to the social relationships, networks, and norms within communities that can influence health outcomes. This can include factors such as civic participation, discrimination, incarceration, and social cohesion. 

Economic Stability

Access to employment opportunities, affordable housing, financial security, savings, food options and budgeting, access to safe housing, and quality education 



Government Processes

Policies including but not limited to healthcare financing, infrastructure development, workforce training, and service delivery models all play a role in determining access to and the quality of healthcare services available to the population. 

Centering Indigenous Knowledge