Health Equity Strategic Plan | Social determinants of health
Understanding the social determinants of health
The equity plans follow guidance from Healthy People 2030, a national health initiative that identifies five key areas affecting health. SThe five areas, known as social determinants of health, are “the conditions in the environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age” that impact the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities.
Economic stability
Economic stability refers to the relationship between people’s financial resources, such as income, cost of living, and socioeconomic status, and their health. Achieving economic stability is critical to helping families afford basic necessities such as food, housing, and healthcare. Programs to help people find employment, assist with career counseling, and secure high-quality child care can help more people find and keep jobs. In addition, policies to help subsidize food, housing, health care, and education costs can lower poverty and improve health and well-being.
State agencies are spearheading work that will shore up economic stability for families in a variety of areas. Equity strategic plans from the following state agencies will help increase economic stability:
- Colorado Department of Labor and Employment.
- Colorado Department of Corrections.
- Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade.
Education access and quality
Education, economic stability, and health are closely linked. Education is strongly associated with life expectancy and health behaviors. Educational attainment is important for health as it can influence opportunities, employment, and income. It provides a strong springboard for more secure socioeconomic mobility, which places people in better financial circumstances to access quality health care.
Colorado has three state agencies focusing on providing access to high quality education to residents, beginning in early childhood through adulthood. Agencies whose plans help increase education access and quality:
- Colorado Department of Early Childhood.
- Colorado Department of Education.
- Colorado Department of Higher Education.
Health care access and quality
It is critical to help people get timely, high-quality health care services to improve health outcomes. Having health insurance is a vital step in helping people afford the health care services and medications they need, as well as establishing a relationship with a primary care provider. Strategies to increase insurance coverage rates are key to ensuring more people get important health care services, like preventive care and treatment for chronic illnesses.
Multiple state agencies in Colorado are working on strategies to safeguard people’s access to high quality, affordable health care:
- Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies’ Division of Insurance.
- Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing.
- Colorado Department of Corrections.
Neighborhood and built environment
The neighborhoods where people live have a considerable impact on health and well-being. High rates of crime and violence, unsafe air or water, unsafe housing, and other safety risks all directly impact health. Another element of this social determinant of health is the built environment, including transportation and access to sidewalks, bike lanes, and parks — that can promote a higher quality of life.
Agencies whose plans help improve neighborhoods and the built environment include the following:
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
- Colorado Department of Public Safety.
- Colorado Department of Local Affairs.
- Colorado Department of Transportation.
Social and community context
Social support and relationships people have with family, friends, colleagues, and community members can significantly affect health and well-being. Interventions to help connect people to the social and community support they need are important safeguards for health and well-being.
Agencies whose plans strengthen social and community context include:
- Colorado Department of Human Services.
- Colorado Behavioral Health Administration.
