MyChart Login
by Mallika Madakasira, Ramneet Mann, and Julie Jurrens
What are social determinants of health?
If we want to feel good, we know we must take care of our bodies and minds. As a rule, people are most focused on their health when they are trying to recover from an injury or illness. However, for our ongoing health, we know our activity level, nutrition, and genetics play an important role. What we rarely consider are some of the other factors that influence our overall well-being: things like our socioeconomic status, education level, access to transportation, social support networks, and the environments where we live and work. These non-medical factors are known as social determinants of health.
Social determinants of health directly affect both our daily lives and our long-term well-being. Based on the resources available to us, a seemingly insignificant health problem can balloon into a serious condition with far-reaching consequences. For instance, someone living in a neighborhood with limited public transportation may struggle to get to a needed medical appointment. This could lead to a longer illness and unexpected time away from work that makes it difficult to earn the money for rent and retain stable housing. According to the Centers for Disease Control, social determinants of health have “a greater influence on health than either genetic factors or access to healthcare services.”
What supports are available to address social determinants of health?
As we learn more about social determinants of health, many medical providers and community organizations are working together to support people’s well-being beyond physical and mental health. At MCHC Health Centers, we offer a program called Connections to Care (C2C) and offer benefits through California Advancing and Innovating MediCal (CalAIM). Working in partnership with many community organizations, C2C and CalAIM help people transition back into the community after events such as a recent hospitalization, rehabilitation, or incarceration, helping them navigate healthcare systems, access social services, and address needs like housing, employment, and behavioral health services. C2C serves Mendocino County and CalAIM serves both Mendocino and Lake Counties.
Community health workers—trusted members of the community trained to support people in this way—play a key role. They connect individuals to services, focusing on prevention and addressing issues such as mental health, perinatal care, violence prevention, access to nutritious food, and stable housing. Community health workers go by many titles, including promotores, community health representatives, coordinators, and navigators. You can ask your healthcare provider or social service agency to connect you with a community health worker if you need support for yourself or someone else.
How does this affect me?
You may notice that intake forms at medical appointments include questions that go beyond physical health to include mental health, access to food, and experiences with violence. Sharing this information is voluntary, of course, but it helps providers connect you to support systems while respecting your privacy. If you choose to disclose any challenges you’re facing, a community health worker will reach out to help you explore options, such as behavioral health counseling, food voucher programs, safe housing, and more.
Real stories of impact
Across Mendocino and Lake Counties, programs addressing social determinants of health have made a big difference in people’s lives. Recently, we helped a young woman who was managing several medical issues, including opiate addiction. She had recently given birth, was being released from jail, and wanted to create a safer life for herself and her baby, but lacked resources and support. Through CalAIM, we were able to connect her with a sober living facility and provide her with everything she needed to care for her baby, including a crib and formula. She went from believing she and her newborn might be homeless to having a safe and supportive place to live.
Another individual was referred to a community health worker by his mental health therapist. After many years on the streets and a long history of substance abuse, he had no rental history or consistent access to healthy food. He didn’t realize he could access benefits like CalFresh. The community health worker connected him with resources and ultimately helped him find permanent housing. Previously, he struggled to keep appointments because his life was unstable—he didn’t know where he would shower, eat, or charge his phone. Securing permanent housing changed everything. Although he still faces challenges, having a safe home, reliable food access, and the ability to track appointments has empowered him to work toward his goals.
When health service providers and community organizations recognize and address social determinants of health, they empower individuals to build a foundation for their long-term health and well-being.
Mallika Madakasira is the director of Population Health at MCHC Health Centers, which includes Hillside Health Center and Dora Street Health Center in Ukiah, Little Lake Health Center in Willits, and Lakeview Health Center in Lakeport. MCHC is a community-based and patient-directed organization that provides comprehensive primary healthcare services as well as supportive services such as education and translation that promote access to healthcare.