What are Social Determinants of Health?
Or why your zip code is the best predictor
of your health.
It isn't the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it's the pebble in your shoe.
- Mohammad Ali
It's not all your fault.
Your community and environment play a huge role in your health. As a matter of fact, only 50% of your health outcomes are determined by your personal lifestyle choices; 30% is dependent on your environment and access to medical care.
When we help people overcome barriers put in front of them by their environment, we can significantly enhance health and enjoy better outcomes.
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Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) are non-medical factors that affect health outcomes. They include the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age. SDOH also include the broader forces and systems that shape everyday life conditions. These forces and systems encompass economic policies, development agendas, social norms, social policies, racism, climate change, and political structures (World Health Organization, 2022).
Bridge to Health NM addresses Social Determinants of Health
We provide access to health supporting behavior for everyone, regardless of income, ability, or age. We encourage local people to become health professionals, and work on community health initiatives addressing food security, transportation issues, housing shortages, and a lack of access to quality healthcare.