Our overall health depends on more than just doctor visits or medications. Many everyday factors can influence your well-being. These are called social determinants of health, and they play an important role in whole-person health.
Understanding these factors can help you and your care team find the support you need to stay healthy.
What Are Social Determinants of Health?
Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the conditions in the places where people are born, live, work, learn, and spend time. These factors can affect a person’s health, access to care, and overall quality of life.
Examples of social determinants of health include:
- Access to health food
- Reliable transportation
- Education and job opportunities
- Community support and social connections
When these needs are met, it can be easier for people to manage their health and prevent illness.
Why Social Determinants Matter for Whole-Person Health
Whole-person health looks at the full picture of your health, including physical, mental, and social needs.
For example, if someone has diabetes but struggles to find or afford healthy food, managing their condition can be more difficult. A lack of transportation can keep someone from attending important doctor’s appointments or prevent them from getting necessary medication. And social isolation can cause or worsen some mental health conditions, like depression. Addressing these challenges can help improve health outcomes and make care more effective. That’s why primary care providers and other members of a care team often ask about daily needs.
How Care Teams Can Help
A care team can include primary care doctors, nurses, specialists, behavioral health specialists, social workers, case managers, and others. Together, they work to understand social determinants and connect patients with helpful resources.
Your care team may help with:
- Connecting you to local food or nutrition programs
- Finding transportation to medical appointments
- Identifying housing or community support services
- Referrals to behavioral health services or counseling
These resources and supports can make it easier to access care and maintain your health.
Connecting Coloradans to Local Support
At Rocky Mountain Health Plans, we believe that good health includes more than medical care.
We work with providers and community organizations to address social needs that may affect health and are committed to helping Coloradans find the local resources they need. Together, we can build healthier communities.
