Social Drivers of Health Awareness

Understanding What Shapes Our Well-Being

At NEW Health, we believe that health is about more than what happens inside the clinic. Where we live, learn, work, and connect with others all play a powerful role in shaping our overall health and quality of life.

These factors are known as Social Drivers of Health (SDOH) and they are some of the strongest predictors of health outcomes.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social determinants of health are the conditions in the environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age. These conditions affect a wide range of health risks and outcomes, and they influence how long and how well people live.

Poverty and Health in Our Communities

Poverty remains one of the most significant social drivers of health in the United States. According to the US Census Bureau

• About 1 in 8 people in the United States live in poverty (12.1%)
• In our region, the impact is even more pronounced:
  • 1 in 8 people in Stevens County (12%)
  • 1 in 7 people in Ferry County (13.6%)
  • 1 in 7 people in Pend Oreille County (14.4%)

When individuals and families face financial hardship, it can become harder to access essentials such as healthy food, stable housing, transportation, and healthcare services. These barriers can directly affect both short-term and long-term health outcomes.

Education, Opportunity, and Health Outcomes

Education is another key social driver of health. Research from the CDC shows that people with higher levels of education are more likely to live longer and experience better overall health outcomes.

Access to quality education and job opportunities can influence income, health literacy, and the ability to navigate healthcare systems; each of which contributes to healthier lives.

Social Connections and Community Support

Our relationships and social networks also play an important role in health.

Connections with family, friends, coworkers, and community members can provide emotional support, reduce stress, and help people access resources when they are needed most. Strong social support is linked to better mental and physical health outcomes.

Where We Live Matters

Health is also shaped by the environments where we live and spend our time.

According to the CDC, neighborhood and built environments include the conditions in which people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age. These environments can influence health risks and quality of life.

Examples of environmental factors that affect health include:

• Safe and stable housing
• Reliable transportation
• Access to nutritious food and opportunities for physical activity
• Exposure to air and water quality concerns
• Safe neighborhoods free from violence or discrimination
• Language access and literacy support

Each of these factors can either support or limit a person’s ability to achieve and maintain good health.

Understanding the 5 Key Domains of Social Drivers of Health

The CDC groups Social Drivers of Health into five key domains:

• Economic Stability
• Education Access and Quality
• Health Care Access and Quality
• Neighborhood and Built Environment
• Social and Community Context

Together, these domains help explain how everyday conditions influence health outcomes far beyond medical care alone.

How NEW Health Can Help

At NEW Health, we recognize that addressing social drivers of health is essential to improving community health outcomes.

Our Patient Navigators are here to help patients overcome barriers that may stand in the way of care. Whether you are uninsured, underinsured, or facing challenges related to housing, transportation, or access to resources, our team is here to support you.

Through our Patient Navigator services, we can help connect you with:

• Insurance enrollment and coverage assistance
• Financial and community resources
• Support in accessing care and services
• Guidance through the healthcare system

👉 Learn more about Patient Navigator and Insurance Assistance services here:
https://newhealth.org/services/insurance-assistance/

You Are Not Alone

Health is shaped by many factors but you do not have to navigate them alone. At NEW Health, we are committed to meeting patients where they are and helping remove barriers that impact care and well-being.

If you or someone you know needs support accessing healthcare or community resources, our Patient Navigators are here to help.

Together, we can build healthier individuals, stronger families, and more resilient communities.