The local health department create/leverages Community Health Assessments (CHA) and Community Health Improvement Plans (CHIP) to identify health issues and partner with other health care providers, community partners and coalitions to enhance local community efforts and maximize the public health impact across Chelan and Douglas counties.
The Chelan-Douglas Health District collaborates with community-based organizations, educational institutions, policy makers, businesses, healthcare professionals and the general community on community health efforts to:
- Promote physical activity and nutrition
- Reduce tobacco use and exposure
- Help eliminate racial, ethnic, and socio-economic health disparities
- Foster improved and increased access to quality care
- Reduce complications from and incidence of chronic diseases
- Build capacity for communities to address chronic disease
- Improve population health
Social determinants of health (SDOH) are conditions in the environments where people live, learn, work, and play that affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality of life outcomes and risks. They are non-medical factors that affect health outcomes.
The World Health Organization has identified 10 social determinants of health:
- the social gradient
- stress
- early life
- social exclusion
- work
- unemployment
- social support
- addiction
- food
- transport
Research shows that social determinants of health (SDOH) can be more important than healthcare or lifestyle choices in affecting our health. Studies suggest that SDOH account for 30-55% of health outcomes. This means that factors like where we live, work, and play can have a bigger impact on our health than the healthcare we receive.
Improving health and reducing health inequalities requires us to address SDOH. This means taking action in all parts of society, not just the health sector. CDHD is dedicated to serving our community members who are adversely affected by such social determinants of health.
What We Do to Support Healthy Communities
- Chronic Disease Prevention: We work to prevent and reduce chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer through educational programs, promotion of screenings, and community initiatives.
- Healthy Food Programs: We support local food programs, work with schools to provide education about healthy eating as well as offering a FREE community-based weight loss support group and a class about Introducing Solids to infants that are open to the general public.
- Early Childhood Development: We offer resources and support for early childhood development and early intervention programs to ensure children get a healthy start in life with programs like Access to Baby and Children’s Dentistry, Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs, Nurse Family Partnership and Women Infant and Children.
- Senior Well-being: We support the safety and well-being of older adults through educational material and partnership with local organizations that serve the senior community.
Understanding Social Determinants of Health (SDH)
Social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. These include:
- Economic stability
- Education access and quality
- Health care access and quality
- Neighborhood and built environment
- Social and community context
Research shows that social determinants can have a greater impact on health outcomes than medical care or personal lifestyle choices. For example, access to quality education, stable employment, safe housing, and nutritious food significantly influence health and well-being.
Our Efforts to Address SDH
We understand that not everyone has the same opportunities to be healthy. That's why we work to support those who are most affected by social determinants of health:
- Partnerships: We collaborate with community organizations, schools and businesses to create environments that support health and reduce health disparities.
- Education and Resources: We provide education and resources to help community members understand and address the social determinants affecting their health.
- Advocacy: We advocate for policies and programs that promote health equity and support the well-being of all community members.
How You Can Help
Improving health and well-being is a community effort. Here are some ways you can help:
- Stay Informed: Learn about the social determinants of health and how they affect your community.
- Get Involved: Participate in community programs, volunteer, and support local initiatives that promote health and well-being.
- Advocate: Speak up for policies and programs that address social determinants and promote health equity.
- Take Care of Yourself and Others: Practice healthy habits, support your neighbors, and seek help when needed.
By working together, we can create healthier communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. For more information, resources, and ways to get involved, please submit a contact form or call us at (509) 886-6400.
References:
Healthy Communities Initiative | Georgia Department of Public Health
