More Than Health Care: A Community Health Conversation

The social services sector is underinvested in and has been for a very long time. Since the health care/medical sector is well supported financially, decision-making power often lies with them. Angela Bovill inspires and challenges us to get innovative and creative and do things differently to create a new future for our sector and better outcomes for those we serve.  

Traditionally, 5 percent of the population drives 50 percent of the expenditures in health care and the biggest determinant of health is not what happens in primary care, but the environmental, economic, and behavioral factors in an individual’s life. Susan Dreyfus discusses her belief that health care reform is the biggest disruptive force in our field and sector today and why it’s time to “lean in.”

  Traditionally, 5 percent of the population drives 50 percent of the expenditures in health care and the biggest determinant of health is not what happens in primary care, but the environmental, economic, and behavioral factors in an individual’s life. Susan Dreyfus discusses her belief that health care reform is the biggest disruptive force in our field and sector today and why it’s time to “lean in.”   

With the goal to tackle root causes of chronic disease in communities, BUILD Health Challenge launched its first cohort in 2015. Today, it is supporting work in 37 communities within 21 different states including Washington D.C. Celebrating innovation and creativity, cohort members are tacking complex health issues in unique ways that are accomplishing solid results. This episode discusses BUILD Health Challenge’s continued journey to learn alongside its communities.

Brain science has taught us that a big way to impact health outcomes is by understanding people’s environments and life experiences.  These factors affect how people function and help themselves get ahead. They also impact how our bodies respond throughout the lifespan. Learn about the work Economic Mobility Pathways (EMPath) is doing in a Boston neighborhood where a half mile means a 28-year difference in lifespan.

Cohosts Jill Huynh and Tim Johnstone set the stage for the More than Health Care podcast. They introduce themselves and preview the guests and topics to come, which include best practices, policy, and opportunities for integration and innovation.