Summit focuses on social determinants of health

The Root Cause Coalition, formed last year to address hunger and other social determinants of preventable chronic health conditions, today held its First National Summit on the Social Determinants of Health. Addressing the participants in Chicago, AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack said the coalition “has helped to advance the public dialogue on the need to address the social determinants of health, and to treat hunger and other basic needs as public health issues.” He shared how hospitals are working to “redefine the ‘H’ to meet the demands of the moment – in a way that best serves patients and communities,” which includes partnering with their communities to address the root causes of health disparities and ensure continued access to essential health care services. The coalition was founded by Toledo, OH-based ProMedica and AARP Foundation. AHA is an inaugural partner of the coalition.