What are social determinants of health (SDoH)?

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) defines social determinants of health (SDOH) as “conditions in the places where people live, learn, work, and play that affect a wide range of health and quality-of life-risks and outcomes.” Examples include:

  • Economic stability,

  • Education access and quality,

  • Healthcare access and quality,

  • Neighborhood and built environment,

  • Social and community context (Health.gov, January 26, 2021). 

Higher socioeconomic status, better educational access, access to affordable healthcare, and clean, safe neighborhoods have all been shown to lead to better overall health outcomes at both an individual and community level. And the reverse is also true: lack of the above leads to poorer overall health. The National Academy of Medicine observes that traditional medical care (think any kind of doctor’s visit, medication, etc.) actually can only explain 10-20% of health outcomes, with the other 80-90% seem to be explained by SDoH (Magnan, S. October 9th, 2017).

As we learn more and more about the tremendous impact that social determinants of health have on our communities, it is becoming increasingly clear that in order to support our communities as a whole, we must use a holistic and integrated approach that recognizes and factors in all of these areas.                                                                                                                         

How do Centerboard’s services impact SDoH?

Economic stability: Families in Centerboard’s Housing Program receive assistance with budgeting, money management, job search, etc. and our Family Resource Center has a myriad of activities each month to help families achieve financial independence. During the height of the pandemic, we assisted nearly 100 families to obtain or maintain permanent housing via our HOPE Program.

Education access and quality: Educational advocacy is a critical component of our Youth Services Programs. Our Family Resource Center employees an Educational Liaison to assist families with navigating the educational system. We provide tutoring as part of our Mentor Program.

Healthcare access and quality: Access to quality healthcare is a core service of all Centerboard Programs. Our onsite partners at The Mental Health Advocacy Program for Kids work tirelessly to ensure access to both healthcare and education for youth. Access to quality healthcare is a priority for the girls and young women we work with via our We Rise Program.

Neighborhood and built environment: With a focus on Lynn, Centerboard has been involved in many placemaking activities including installing public art displays and operating a non-profit art gallery.

Social and community context: Centerboard’s inclusion efforts, both internally and externally, are aimed at using the framework and tools developed by VISIONS, Inc. to recognize, understand, and appreciate difference across many social variables towards a more equitable community. Additionally, our Family Resource Center provides many creative recreational opportunities for youth and adults.