Social determinants of health are the nonclinical factors that affect health outcomes. They include systemic racism, along with the broad categories of social and community context, education, neighborhood and environment, health care, and economic stability. The Center for American Progress’ work prioritizes social and economic policies that are critical across the social determinants of health to achieve health equity. The following publications aim to reduce health disparities and inequities and improve the nation’s health by addressing social determinants of health.
The Biden administration must take a tougher stance on soot pollution
Sarah Millender, Auburn Bell, and Jill Rosenthal have published a new op-ed in The Hill urging the Biden administration to strengthen standards on soot pollution.
Nonprofit Hospitals Can Improve Community Health Through Housing Investments
Nonprofit hospitals have an obligation to provide community benefit; as part of this, they should do more to support the housing needs of the communities they serve.
How the Office of Climate Change and Health Equity Can Respond to the Health Threats of the Climate Crisis
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Climate Change and Health Equity must elevate the health and environmental justice implications of the climate crisis and provide the connective tissue needed to harness resources, leverage authorities, and coordinate federal expertise.
Rep. Wendy E.N Thomas: Infrastructure Bill will help mitigate ‘forever chemicals’
In an op-ed, New Hampshire state Rep. Wendy E.N. Thomas (D) describes how contaminated drinking water contributed to deteriorating public health in her community. Thomas explains how federal grants from the Biden administration’s infrastructure policies are delivering long-awaited relief to affected communities.
Disparities in Housing, Health Care, Child Care, and Economic Security Affect Babies for Life
Social determinants of health, such as access to secure housing, family employment and economic stability, education, and child care, must be the focus of federal policies to support infant and toddler health.
Stronger Standards on Soot Pollution Are Critical for Public Health and Environmental Justice
The Biden administration must institute stronger soot pollution standards to reverse inaction by Trump, strengthen public health, and protect environmental justice communities.
A Strong Start in Life: How Public Health Policies Affect the Well-Being of Pregnancies and Families
Understanding how the key social determinants of health—including housing, employment, and education—affect perinatal health is critical to ensuring that federal policies support healthy babies and families.
Fact Sheet: Top 10 Ways To Improve Health and Health Equity
To improve health and well-being, policymakers must act to address inequities, infrastructure, and social determinants of health that contribute to poor health.
Policies to strengthen the nation’s health must ensure that individuals and communities are healthy, thriving, and inclusive through long-term, sustained investments.
