Why it is important: SDOH are the conditions in the places where people live, learn, work, and play that affect a wide range of health risks and outcomes. They include factors such as income, education, housing, transportation, and access to healthcare. SDOH have a significant impact on health equity, with people from marginalized communities experiencing a disproportionate burden of disease and death.
Change I would like to see: I would like to see a more equitable society in which everyone has the opportunity to achieve good health, regardless of their SDOH. This would require a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of health inequities.
Advocacy efforts: I would direct my advocacy efforts to a variety of stakeholders, including policymakers, healthcare providers, and public health professionals. I would work to raise awareness of the impact of SDOH on health and advocate for policies and programs that address these inequities. I would also work to educate healthcare providers on how to identify and address the SDOH of their patients.
Advocacy letter:
Dear [Policymaker’s name],
I am writing to you today to advocate for policies that address the social determinants of health (SDOH). SDOH are the conditions in the places where people live, learn, work, and play that affect a wide range of health risks and outcomes. They include factors such as income, education, housing, transportation, and access to healthcare.
SDOH have a significant impact on health equity, with people from marginalized communities experiencing a disproportionate burden of disease and death. For example, people from low-income households are more likely to be obese, have diabetes, and die from heart disease. People of color are also more likely to experience these health disparities.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the impact of SDOH on health. People from marginalized communities have been more likely to be infected with COVID-19 and to experience severe complications from the virus. They have also been more likely to lose their jobs and to experience financial hardship due to the pandemic.
It is clear that we need to address the SDOH in order to achieve health equity. I urge you to support policies that expand access to affordable healthcare, invest in education and job training, and promote affordable housing and transportation. These policies will help to create a more equitable society in which everyone has the opportunity to achieve good health.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely, [Your name]
In addition to writing an advocacy letter, there are a number of other ways that nurses can advocate for policies that address the SDOH. Nurses can meet with their elected officials to discuss the issue, testify at public hearings, and write letters to the editor. Nurses can also get involved in community organizations that are working to address SDOH.
By advocating for policies that address the SDOH, nurses can help to create a more equitable society in which everyone has the opportunity to achieve good health.
