Social Determinants of Health

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.

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A Strong Start in Life: How Public Health Policies Affect the Well-Being of Pregnancies and Families Report
A mother kisses her child as her midwife examines her at a birthing center in South Los Angeles.

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.

Hailey Gibbs, Marquisha Johns, Osub Ahmed, 2 More Maggie Jo Buchanan, Arohi Pathak

The Economic, Educational, and Health-Related Costs of Being a Woman Article
Then-Rep. Deb Haaland (D-NM) speaks at an event.

The Economic, Educational, and Health-Related Costs of Being a Woman

From the gender wage gap to gender-based pricing, the cost of being a woman in America is integrated in our economic, health, and education systems and requires a multipronged policy approach to address.

Juli Adhikari, Jessica Milli, Maggie Jo Buchanan

Clean Energy Will Cut Costs for Families Across the Country Article

Clean Energy Will Cut Costs for Families Across the Country

The clean energy investments in President Biden’s economic plan spell cost savings for families across the country on household electric, heating, and gasoline bills in the decade to come.

Sally Hardin, Trevor Higgins

Expanding Education Access for Black Girls With Disabilities Report

Expanding Education Access for Black Girls With Disabilities

To create more equitable education systems, policymakers must understand how racism, ableism, and sexism intersect and negatively affect Black disabled girls’ ability to attain an education.

Megan Buckles, Mia Ives-Rublee

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