Resource Directory

A key issue facing the American healthcare system is the impact of social needs, social risks, and social determinants of health (SDoH) on healthcare. Each of these “social” terms brings a slightly different focus to forces that can impact communities and their members. For employers, understanding these impacts within the context of a population health strategy can foster a broader approach to closing gaps in care and in access to services across employee populations.

To learn what employers need to begin their journey to more effectively address social needs, social risks, and social determinants, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Office of the Associate Director for Policy and Strategy, the National Network of Public Health Institutes (NNPHI), and the
National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions (National Alliance) began a collaboration in late 2020 to engage employers and regional business coalitions through the project “Leading by Example and Moving Upstream Together.” The goal was to identify options for developing a process model to enhance employee and community well-being.