CDC - Social Determinants of Health

Social Determinants of Health

The social determinants of health are the circumstances in which people are born, grow up, live, work, and age, as well as the systems put in place to deal with illness. These circumstances are in turn shaped by a wider set of forces: economics, social policies, and politics. (Social Determinants of Health Key Concepts, World Health Organization)

Public Health Reports Supplement on Data Systems and Social Determinants of Health

Public Health Reports August/September Supplement

The Public Health Reports August/September 2011 supplement (Volume 126, supplement 3) focuses on data systems and their use in addressing social determinants of health.

Guest Editorial: Use of Data Systems to Address Social Determinants of Health: A Need to Do More, Kathleen McDavid Harrison, PhD, MPH and Hazel D. Dean, ScD, MPH
The Ultimate Measures of Health, Howard K. Koh, MD, MPH
Collection of Social Determinant of Health Measures in U.S. National Surveillance Systems for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STDs, and TB, Victoria M. Beltran, MPH, CHES, Kathleen McDavid Harrison, PhD, MPH, H. Irene Hall, PhD and Hazel D. Dean, ScD, MPH
Identifying the Impact of Social Determinants of Health on Disease Rates Using Correlation Analysis of Area-Based Summary Information, Ruiguang Song, H. Irene Hall, Kathleen McDavid Harrison, Tanya Telfair Sharpe, Lillian S. Lin and Hazel D. Dean, ScD, MPH

Social Determinants of Health White Paper

In 2010, CDC published an NCHHSTP White Paper on Social Determinants of Health called Establishing a Holistic Framework to Reduce Inequities in HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STDs, and Tuberculosis in the United States. This white paper outlines the strategic vision of CDC’s National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention for reducing health disparities and promoting health equity related to our conditions of interest. The purpose of the white paper is to advance a holistic approach to the design of our public health programs to advance the health of communities and increase their opportunities for healthy living.

Public Health and Homelessness

Homelessness in the 21st century is an ongoing problem, increasing due to the country's recent economic downturn, especially in urban areas. This video podcast discusses how homelessness impacts health and what public health professionals can do about it. Download this podcast, locate accessible versions, and subscribe to podcast series.

Health Inequities and HIV, Viral Hepatitis, TB, and STDs

Dr. Kevin A. Fenton, Director of CDC's National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), discusses health inequities in the United States and how NCHHSTP research, policies, and programs can address them. Download this podcast, locate accessible versions, and subscribe to podcast series.