U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) have reintroduced bipartisan legislation that would empower states and local governments to improve health outcomes by addressing the economic and social conditions in which people live, learn, work, and play.
The Social Determinants Accelerator Act would establish a federal interagency council to better leverage existing programs and address the barriers to coordination between health and social services programs. The bill would also help states and localities develop innovative strategies to address social determinants in their communities.
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“A person’s health should not be dependent on where they live or the economic challenges they face,” Sen. Young said. “If we attack the challenges, such as reliable transportation and affordable housing, that negatively impact the health and well-being of our most vulnerable citizens, we can make our citizens healthier.”
“Families know that staying healthy takes much more than just going to the doctor,” Sen. Stabenow said. “Investing in nutrition services, housing, transportation, and good-paying jobs will make sure Americans have the resources they need to take care of their families, especially during the COVID-19 crisis. This bipartisan bill will improve the lives of Michiganders and expand Americans’ access to comprehensive health care.”
Social determinants of health are the economic and social conditions that affect an individual’s health and well-being, such as access to reliable transportation and stable housing. Addressing these factors can have a meaningful impact on the prevention and management of chronic diseases in all communities.
The Social Determinants Accelerator Act aims to address the social determinants of health by providing grants for state, local and tribal governments to develop strategies that target social determinants negatively impacting the country’s most vulnerable populations. The legislation also establishes a federal interagency council to help grantees identify federal authorities, opportunities and strategies to tackle these challenges.
Click here to read the full text of the bill.