Apparently there is a correlation between how healthy people are and the conditions in which they live, according to recent studies. These environmental conditions, or social determinants, include things like economic stability, education, access to healthy food, affordable housing, and safe living environments.
To address the issue in Newark and throughout New Jersey, RWJBarnabas Health recently established a team, the Social Impact and Community Investment Department (SICI), which will work to minimize health disparities based on environmental factors.
“We recognize that there are certain socially constructed barriers impacting the health outcomes of the families we aim to serve,” says Michellene Davis, Esq., EVP and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer for RWJBH, who leads SICI.
“We aim to be both in and of these communities by co-designing long term sustainable solutions through a collective impact model,” says Davis.
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