The Hidden Causes of Poor Health

BY NICK MORIELLO

WHEN ONE OF YOUR TEAM MEMBERS or staff walk into a doctor’s office, much of their health has already been impacted by factors beyond what we traditionally think of as “healthcare” and are likely unbeknownst to you as their employer.

Social determinants of health (SDoH)— the conditions where people live, learn, work, and play—can impact up to 80% of an individual’s health and well-being. These include access to healthy food, stable housing, transportation, education and economic opportunity, social isolation, community safety, and health literacy. More than one-in-ten households suffer from food insecurity, and one-in-five households have little to no confidence in being able to make their next rent or mortgage payment. For many families, these challenges have been exacerbated by the highest inflation rate in 40 years amid an ongoing global pandemic.

In Delaware, we help thousands of community members every month connect to address these challenges through the Highmark Community Support platform—highmark.findhelp.com. Housing and food support are the most searched, which has only increased this year. This tool, and other services offered by community organizations and State agencies, could be meaningful to your team members when shared through benefits communications or other company memos.

The principles of SDoH are central to the most basic ways we measure the collective progress of society—how long we live and quality of life. Both Census and CDC data reveal that the life expectancy in neighborhoods just a few miles apart can vary by more than two decades. For example, life expectancy in East Side of Wilmington is 68; however, less than five miles northwest to Greenville, life expectancy increases to 86. Data shows that social vulnerability is far more common for people of color and in low-income and rural areas, contributing to health disparities.

Both Census and CDC data reveal that the life expectancy in neighborhoods just a few miles apart can vary by more than two decades. For example, life expectancy in East Side of Wilmington is 68; however, less than five miles northwest to Greenville, life expectancy increases to 86.

Social determinants affect each of us and our families, and the impacts on our colleagues and team members may be greater than we realize. It’s possible that a team member’s decreased focus, missed deadlines, or absenteeism could be linked to a disruption in conditions. By making resources available and raising awareness, we can empower people to be their best, healthiest selves. Additionally, by investing in the health of our colleagues and communities before they need care, we can have a collective positive impact helping everyone reach their full potential.

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware is committed to addressing SDoH from both a business and community perspective. We have moved to more value-based care models with healthcare providers and are helping to build national health infrastructure that puts social and behavioral health on equal footing with physical health. We offer services like GED vouchers and free transportation through Medicaid programs, and social activities and meal delivery through Medicare products. At the community level, we contributed $10 million in 2022 to support dozens of health programs throughout the state. Part of that was a combined $3 million investment with the State of Delaware into place-based initiatives to improve health with Healthy Communities Delaware.

With 80% of everyone’s health at stake, including those closest to us at work, it will take all of us to create a Delaware where everyone can embrace health.

Nick Moriello is president of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware.