Social determinants compound issues facing minority healthcare

Health consists of the body, mind, spirit, and social well-being. As individuals we can make choices for our best health, but there are factors we can’t control that impact our health.

“Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the nonmedical factors influencing health outcomes,” said Sharrie Harlin, Community Engagement Manager at Reid Health.

Harlin said the nonmedical factors are the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, age, include a wider set of forces and systems shaping daily life including housing, transportation, food issues, and more.

Social determinants can impact people’s health and quality of life. SDOHs create differences in the healthcare individuals might receive, putting people at risk. And when those at risk could also be making choices between their basic needs, healthcare might not be a priority regardless of their level of illness.

Harlin connects people with the resources and programs they need through Reid or community organizations. She does this by providing information on health issues, community programs, and health screenings at Medical Monday and Thriving Thursday each month, and she hosts "Let's Talk. Together," airing on WETV Channel 20. She also coordinates Shoes for Kids, a program providing athletic shoes for area school-age kids in need with support generated from ReidRide. Outside of Reid, Harlin volunteers with city, county, and nonprofit boards to help foster safer communities and provide access for all.

Tonight, Sharrie Harlin will talk about how people in Reid's service region are affected by SDOHs during the Minority Health Event from 6-8 p.m. at IU East in Whitewater Hall. The community is invited to attend the free event. Harlin is a guest speaker with Tisha Reid, Senior Health Equity Analyst for Purdue University’s Regenstrief Center for Healthcare Engineering, and Nathan Hogg, CHW , Reid Health Community Engagement intern and IU East student.

Learn more on health disparities and achieving health equity throughout #NMHM2024 by following this series @reidhealth. Reid’s commitment to improving access to healthcare is available in the Reid Health Community Health Needs Assessment.