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Addressing Social Determinants of Health in Federal Programs

This webpage includes documents that support the Department’s strategic approach to addressing social determinants of health (SDOH). SDOH are the conditions where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes.

These documents explain why HHS has identified addressing SDOH as a major priority for the Department; describe HHS’ strategic approach, and specific actions the Department is taking to address SDOH; and link how these actions build on evidence in the field on what works.

SDOH Action Plan At a Glance

This two-page summary and infographic summarizes the HHS strategic approach to addressing SDOH.

Addressing Social Determinants of Health in Federal Programs

This essay in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Health Forum describes HHS’ three-pronged strategy to address SDOH through: (1) enhancing data infrastructure; (2) improving connections between health and social service providers; and (3) engaging in whole-of-government collaborations to implement comprehensive solutions.

Addressing Social Determinants of Health: Examples of Successful Evidence-Based Strategies and Current Federal Efforts

This document reviews the evidence on interventions that have been implemented to address SDOH and describes illustrative HHS agency actions.

HHS Strategic Approach to Addressing Social Determinants of Health: Agency Program, Activity, and Policy Highlights

This report highlights key programs, activities, and policies of HHS’ strategic approach as of October 2024, including early accomplishments to date and stories of the on-the-ground impact that these initiatives are making in people’s lives.