Social Drivers of Health, according to Healthy People 2030, are the conditions in the environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes and risks.
SDoH can be grouped into five domains:
- Economic Stability
- Education Access and Quality
- Health Care Access and Quality
- Neighborhood and Built Environment
- Social and Community Context
Significant barriers and challenges can exist in rural communities, including:
- Income, Employment, and Poverty
- Educational Attainment and Literacy
- Health Literacy
- Adequate Community Infrastructure
- Environmental Health
- Access to Safe and Healthy Homes
- Access to Safe and Affordable Transportation
- Access to Healthy and Affordable Food
- Access to Healthcare Services
Addressing SDoH improves community health outcomes but requires collaboration and the breaking down of silos to create substantial and sustainable change.
This report provides an analysis of all 61 rural counties in Michigan, focusing on the 36 Critical Access Hospitals and their identified health priorities and overall county health rankings. The health priorities listed are taken directly from the corresponding hospital's Community Health Need Assessment (CHNA). The health factors and health outcomes for each county have been provided from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s county health rankings.
Social Drivers of Health vs. Social Determinants of Health
Social drivers of health and social determinants of health are often used interchangeably. Although, using the term “determinants” could unintentionally indicate a sense of finality and suggest that individuals have less control over their health and well-being. It can also imply that an individual’s health is predetermined and can potentially minimize accountability among policymakers and decision-makers.
Social Drivers of Health Resources
A wide range of SDoH resources, including general SDoH resources, information on MDHHS SDoH Strategy, screening tools/resources, housing stability, food security and transportation resources, and safe/healthy home resources.
Population Health Payment/Value-Based Resources
Resources that provide valuable insight into value-based programs and population health payment models.
Rural Health Equity Resources
Overview of health equity and resources to advance health equity in rural communities.
Community Measures/Mapping Tools/Data Sets Resources to Assess SDoH
Various measures, tools, and data resources to assess SDoH by region.
Community Health Needs Assessment/Implementation Plan Resources
Tools to successfully perform a community health needs assessments (CHNA) and correlating implementation plans.
Disproportionately Impacted Populations
Maternal/infant health resources are currently available, with more to come!
Strength of Rural Spotlight Series
The #StrengthofRural Spotlight Series shines a bright light on rural communities in Michigan, highlighting their resiliency and a strong sense of community. The strength of rural communities lies in their residents and their ability to rise together. This spotlight series will highlight organizations and individuals that provide innovative solutions to address health disparities and the social drivers of health in their communities.
Have an organization or individual you would like us to spotlight? Scan the QR Code or email Laura Mispelon, Social Drivers of Health Manage.
Social Drivers of Health Manager Contact
Laura Mispelon, MHA
Social Drivers of Health Manager
Michigan Center for Rural Health
laura.mispelon@affiliate.msu.edu