10/01/24 –
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Social determinants of health (SDOH – also referred to as social drivers of health) 1 are estimated to account for as much as 50 percent of county-level variation in health outcomes.2 SDOH and unmet individual-level health-related social needs (HRSNs) 3 have the potential to impair health and well-being, with a wide-body of research documenting the impact of both SDOH and HRSNs on health outcomes. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) envisions a future in which all individuals, regardless of their social circumstances, have access to aligned health and social care systems that achieve equitable outcomes through high-quality, affordable, person-centered care. As described in Addressing Social Determinants of Health: Examples of Successful Evidence-Based Strategies and Current Federal Efforts, a number of interventions to address SDOH and HRSNs have demonstrated success in reducing barriers to health and well-being, improving health outcomes, and/or lowering health care spending. Addressing these SDOH involves coordinating across multiple sectors and a recognition of the many factors that contribute to disparities in health outcomes…
