NNSI Editorial Team

Today, the conversation around healthcare has expanded beyond traditional medical treatments to include a broader understanding of the social circumstances that significantly impact health outcomes – also known as the social determinants of health (SDOH). According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the SDOH are “the conditions in the environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that affect a wide range of

Veteran-serving organizations address various needs, including healthcare, mental health care, housing and homeless assistance, and financial and employment assistance. Many needs are co-occurring. For instance, if a veteran wishes to get a job, they might require additional needs in transportation, education, or financial literacy guidance. The influence of social determinants of health—such as violence, housing instability, financial/employment problems, lack of access to transportation, and psychosocial needs—on veterans’ lives is significant.

Veterans transitioning to civilian life encounter a complex web of challenges, and the fragmented system of care often leaves them underserved and overwhelmed in the process of attempting to receive support. New research from NNSI finds that a holistic approach to addressing veterans’ needs is imperative. But most veteran serving organizations operate in silos, without the needed coordination to address everyday co-occurring needs.  A new report from the Network for

Today, 40% of Americans face significant material hardship, which includes limited access to vital resources such as nutritious food, medical care, affordable housing, and essential utilities. Yet, the support provided by social service agencies and nonprofit organizations reaches less than 16% of those struggling with material hardship, leaving the majority to manage on their own. What happens when someone cannot pay rent or has a disconnected phone? These unmet health-related

Healthcare providers, organizations, and payers recognize the connection between social needs and health outcomes. These social needs are often described as the social determinants of health (SDOH). SDOHs are the environmental and social factors that influence health outcomes. Research indicates that improving social conditions— such as adequate food, secure housing and income, access to healthcare, and dependable transportation — is crucial to addressing health inequalities and outcomes. With the increasing