An individual’s health is shaped by many factors beyond the medical system. Known as ‘social determinants of health,’ housing, education, transportation, access to healthy food, social supports, and many other factors are now recognized as significant influencers of health.
To grow and strengthen a culture of health in our communities, we must address obstacles standing in our way. Obstacles like poverty, training for and access to good jobs with fair pay, quality education, safe and affordable housing, and access to quality health care.
Unfortunately, organizations and agencies working tirelessly in our communities to assure enhanced quality-of-life conditions are available—such as housing, transportation, education, income and employment assistance, child and family supports, community health services, and legal and criminal justice services—are often disconnected from medical services and public health programs traditionally considered the sole providers of improved health.
A growing body of research has shown that health care providers, non-profit social service organizations, and governmental agencies all have parts to play when it comes to addressing the social determinants of health within their communities. It is imperative that the leaders of these organizations take steps to build stronger connections among the medical, social, and public health sectors.
Nantahala Health Foundation seeks to be a catalyst for these connections and the resulting broader community initiatives designed to improve the health and wellbeing of the region. We offer grants and opportunities to organizations and leaders who think innovatively and collaboratively about how to improve the health of our region.
Based on information gathered from our region and our new reality as we respond to and emerge from the COVID-19 impacts, our 2020 grantmaking priority areas are:
Nantahala Health Foundation looks forward to partnering with community change agents in innovative organizations toward a shared goal of providing improved health opportunities for all.
Check below for links to more research and information about how social determinants impact health.
The connection between education and health and well-being. This domain includes key issues such as graduating from high school, enrollment in higher education, educational attainment in general, language and literacy, and early childhood education and development.
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Social Determinants of Health
The connection between where a person lives (e.g., housing, neighborhood, and environment) and his or her health and well-being. Articles cover such topics as quality of housing, access to transportation, availability of healthy foods, quality of the water or air, and neighborhood crime and violence.
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Social Determinants of Health
The connection between characteristics of the contexts within which people live, learn, work, and play, and their health and well-being. Articles cover such topics as cohesion within a community, civic participation, discrimination, conditions in the workplace, and incarceration.
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Social Determinants of Health
The connection between people’s access to and understanding of health services and their own health. This domain includes key issues such as access to healthcare, access to primary care, health insurance coverage, and health literacy.
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Social Determinants of Health
The connection between the financial resources people have (e.g., income, cost of living, and socioeconomic status) and their health. This domain includes key issues such as poverty, employment, food security, and housing stability.
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Social Determinants of Health