#SystemsofCare

#WickedProblemsinWellness: Financial Wellness in Systems of Care

“The first wealth is health.” American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson stated this in 1860, and it continues to ring true today. But what exactly is the link between wealth and wellbeing? Health is considered one of the most critical pillars of everyday life, and finances are often regarded as equally essential. Traditionally, discussions around health primarily revolve around physical and mental wellbeing, often overlooking the profound impact of financial wellness

Adopting a Multi-Pillar Solution to Address Social Determinants of Health

In the ongoing pursuit of improving public health outcomes, tackling Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) has emerged as a top concern for regulatory agencies and community-based organizations (CBOs) across the United States. This prioritization stems from recognizing that individuals’ well-being is not solely determined by access to healthcare services but is profoundly influenced by social and economic factors such as housing, nutrition, and education. Failure to resolve these health-related social

The Intersection of Social Factors and Health Policy: A Deep Dive into the U.S. Government’s Approach

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

Addressing Veteran’s Needs through Holistic Care

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.

Addressing Veterans’ Needs through Sequencing Care

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

Two people filling out a form on a clipboard. The person holding the clipboard is a doctor.

U.S. Potential Path to Addressing Health-Related Social Needs: Drawing Lessons from State Innovations

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