Social Determinants of Urban Mental Health Conference
September 19-20, 2012
Hosted by the Adler School of Professional Psychology- Institute on Social Exclusion
Social Determinants of Urban Mental Health Conference
Remarks from Jane Isaacs Lowe, Senior Advisor for Program Development
Why I Spoke at This Event
As a foundation, our heightened awareness of social factors as key determinants of health has reframed our search for new solutions and pathways to improving health. In seeking ideas with the potential for big, positive change, we recognize the need to look at health more broadly — to set aside the conventional silos and instead search out the connections between health and education, housing, public safety, and employment.
At the Social Determinants of Urban Mental Health Conference, I shared the approach that we at RWJF are bringing to our work around social determinants of health. I also shared information about some our grantees whose work addresses the interplay between social factors and physical and mental health and well-being: Health Leads, Cure Violence (formerly CeaseFire), Child First, and The Network for Better Futures.
I'm happy to be a part of this conversation at the conference and I think it's one that's urgently needed.
Learn more about Team Director Jane Isaacs Lowe
Recap from the Conference
Visit our Foundation's Storify where we share highlights and resources from the conference.
- "All of you in this room have the potential to be strong advocates for making health matter as you are on the front line of delivering care to the most vulnerable and marginalized of populations and you know how lives can be transformed by your work." - Jane Isaacs Lowe
Read Jane's blog post at NewPublicHealth about Mental Health Impact Assessments and the work of our grantees around the mental health of urban populations.
About the Program
The Vulnerable Populations Portfolio creates new opportunities for better health by investing in health where it starts—in our homes, schools, and jobs.
Our Grantees Are Improving Urban Health
Cure Violence
Reducing violence among young people.
Health Leads
Meeting patients' basic needs -- like food and housing -- in order to meet their health needs.
Playworks
Improving children's health by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.
Read more
Better Futures Enterprises
Providing essential support services for men being released from prison.
Health Care's Blind Side
Exploring Solutions that Address Patients' Social Needs
In April, we hosted a discussion with prominent health care leaders to explore solutions to address patients' social needs. Participants posed ways to connect patients to needed resources in the community that can improve their health. They also discussed and debated the business case for physicians, clinics, and hospitals to bridge the gap in treating medical and social needs.
Our grantee Health Leads represented one solution that is effectively integrating patients' social needs into health care delivery.