Social Determinants of Health
Resources and Reference Materials on Social Determinants of Health
The Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) are defined as the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age. These conditions are shaped by the distribution of money, power and resources. Research has shown that the inequities of this distribution for those facing poor social and economic circumstances can have lasting affects on an individual’s health.
Community Health Workers (CHWs) can be an extremely effective tool for addressing these social issues. Their deep knowledge of their communities, coupled with the trust and rapport they build with their clients, make CHWs a natural fit for addressing the Social Determinants of Health.
These resources were developed to provide information and tools to organizations who serve in communities in which health is negatively impacted by its social circumstances. All resources are available for free and licensed to be distributed for educational use.
Community Health Workers Improving Social Determinants of Health
This report aims to fill a gap in clarifying how Community Health Workers address Social Determinants of Health as part of their core, “day to day” role using a stepwise, iterative model. This model can be used and replicated by other community-based organizations that employ Community Health Workers.
Community Health Workers Data Collection and Documentation: Community-based and Clinical Settings
CHWs are well-equipped to collect data in whatever setting they work, whether community or clinically based. The following flowchart will outline a series of questions that organizations can ask themselves when implementing OR improving CHW-led data collection.
CHWs and the Social Determinants of Health
This brief presents some general information on social determinants of health, available tools for data collection on SDOH, and the role that Community Health Workers (CHW) may play in implementing SDOH programs.
Training for your organization, made simple.
In addition to publishing resources and conducting our own CHW programs, MHP Salud offers a variety of training and consulting services to help organizations create and optimize their own CHW programs. When we provide these services, we put over four decades of experience to work to enhance your organization’s services and improve your overall reach.