Philadelphia routinely ranks lowest among the large cities in most domains of health-related social needs (HRSN). Prevalent health inequity also indicates an overwhelming need for solutions. The good news is that Philadelphia is well positioned to create a collaborative, multi-domain strategy to address HRSN, including systemic disparities that create HRSN. We have a strong contingent of top tier medical and education institutions that incorporate HRSN support in practice and

Broadly speaking, the healthcare sector has embraced the concept that identifying and addressing social needs (sometimes referred to as ‘health-related social needs’ specifically) is a necessary component of delivering quality clinical care and improving the health of patients and their families. While some hospitals and clinics have been screening for social needs for much longer, the practice accelerated between 2010 and 2020 in response to a combination of new regulations,

In recent years, the healthcare industry has started to shift its approach, recognizing that achieving the 2030 Healthy People  equity and access goals will require a collaborative, concerted effort. Providers and payers alike are developing their own approaches to address social risk factors, but the path forward is complex. For providers, keeping up with the evolving requirements of what qualifies for reimbursement may feel like a full-time task on top of patient care. Mean

Healthcare isn’t just about what happens inside a doctor’s office. It also goes beyond your genetic coding and family history. Social factors like where you live, if you have access to healthy food, and a support system play a significant role in your overall health and well-being. Recognition of these social factors and their role in the healthcare landscape has led to the needed shifts that will help improve long-term outcomes.  In this article, we’ll dive into the concept

Food insecurity is compounded by social determinants of health, but there are government infrastructures and federal funding measures in place that help healthcare address food insecurity and improve overall health and well-being. Having safe, consistent, and reliable access to healthy foods is a privilege, one shaped by numerous social, economic, and political factors. Those without such privileges are experiencing food insecurity. Nearly 44 million Americans  in 2022 faced

By: Roopa Seshadri, PhD AM & Carolina Hausmann-Stabile, PhD LSW 44 million people faced food insecurity in 2022 – across the demographic and geographic spectrum, with children and minoritized populations at higher risk. Food insecurity is intertwined with other social determinants of health and cross-sector solutions are needed to make a sustainable impact. Recent collaborative initiatives between city agencies, nonprofits, foundations, and community stakeholders show promise

Moving from food insecurity to food justice frameworks will allow us to create pathways where everyone has access to the nourishment they need to thrive. In a world overflowing with food, the persistence of hunger and unequal access to nutritious meals reveals a troubling paradox. The heart of food justice lies in resolving this – ensuring everyone, regardless of background, has access to food that nourishes, sustains, and respects cultural identities. What is food justice? F

Food insecurity goes beyond hunger and impacts health and well-being, as well as economic productivity and social fabric. This complex problem requires well-thought out solutions that work across sectors. Food insecurity isn't just about the emptiness of a stomach or a pantry. It's defined by the uncertainty of not knowing where your next meal will come from and the inability to access sufficient, safe, and nutritious food for an active and healthy life. It affects individual

Emergency food services play a key role in addressing food insecurity. By providing meals, stipends, or grocery supplements, numerous initiatives, both government and charitable, exist that aim to reduce the number of those who face the uncertainty of where their next meal may come from.  Government Programs   SNAP:  The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helped over 41 million Americans in 2023, reducing food insecurity by 30%​ ( USAFacts )​​ ( Feeding America

With over 44 million people in the United States facing food insecurity in 2022, this is a critical problem facing our communities.