Healthy People

Abstract

For the past three decades, the Healthy People initiative has represented an ambitious yet achievable health promotion and disease prevention agenda for the nation. The recently released fourth version-Healthy People 2020-builds on the foundations of prior iterations while newly embracing and elevating a comprehensive "social determinants" perspective. By clearly articulating a new overarching goal to "create social and physical environments that promote good health for all" and a new topic area dedicated to defining the social determinants of health approach, it breaks new ground. Specifically, the 2020 plan emphasizes the need to consider factors such as poverty, education, and numerous aspects of the social structure that not only influence the health of populations but also limit the ability of many to achieve health equity. Improving health is too multifaceted to be left to those working in the health sector alone. Using a social determinants approach can reframe the way the public, policy makers, and the private sector think about achieving and sustaining health. This article describes why such a social determinants approach can enhance our collective efforts to improve population health. This is achieved by defining the context for this new perspective, the process by which the Healthy People 2020 goals and objectives were developed, and the challenges and opportunities ahead. Adding this broad, social determinants perspective and vision for shared societal responsibility for change leaves Healthy People 2020 poised to promote a stronger legacy for a healthier nation and reaffirm a unity of purpose for the future.

The ConNECT Framework: a model for advancing behavioral medicine science and practice to foster health equity

“…Regulatory agencies recognize the value of considering determinants of health to inform workable and effective strategies, policies, and a comprehensive research agenda to improve population health and health equity (Institute of Medicine, 2006; Koh et al, 2011; National Institutes of Health, 2015). An important perspective for behavioral medicine is appreciating the importance of social determinants of health, which are structural economic and social conditions that influence the health of people and communities (Marmot et al, 2008).…”

Addressing the Social Determinants of Health to Reduce Tobacco-Related Disparities

“…Because addressing some of these root causes may not be feasible within the public health domain, collaborations between public health and other sectors that have primary responsibilities for education, transportation, community design, food and agriculture, and housing and social services will be required. 6 …”

“…These conditions in which people live and die are, in turn, shaped by political, social and economic forces, and are characterized by the unequal distribution of power, income, goods, and services; unequal access to healthcare, schools, and education; and conditions in work and leisure settings, homes, communities, towns, or cities.” 5 These determinants and their distribution in society interact in unique ways to impact health disparities by limiting the ability of many population groups to achieve health equity. For this reason, a new social determinants vision for Healthy People 2020 has established a new overarching goal to “create social and physical environments that promote good health for all.” 6 …”

A Healthy Person

“…The social determinants of health take account of poverty, education, and social structure, which influence the health of populations and limit the ability of many people to achieve health equity (Koh, Piotrowski, Kumanyika, & Fielding, 2011). In Indonesia, the life expectancy at birth is 71 years.…”