Social Determinants of Health Archives

Three respirator masks, one cyan and two white, with elastic straps, placed on a grey surface.

Health Equity

Masking Problems

by Victoria Stern May 21, 2020December 19, 2024

How racism makes wearing a mask in public much more complicated for one black doctor.

Interior view of a public bus with passengers seated.

Health Equity

Getting on the Bus

by Ryan Levi April 21, 2020December 20, 2024

How COVID-19 is threatening one man’s decades-long battle for sobriety and stability.

A close-up of a pre-packaged meal labeled "Winter Squash Hash" from Community Servings, a food service focused on dietary needs. The container has three compartments, with visible green beans in one section. The packaging label indicates dietary suitability for diabetic, cardiac, mild, and soft diets, with restrictions such as "No Fish," "No Red Meat," "Low Lactose," and "No Nuts." Surrounding the meal are additional food items, including a yogurt container, a bag of frozen peas, Cheerios, and plastic-wrapped produce, all arranged on a granite countertop.

Health Equity

Feeding the Sick

by Ryan Levi and Victoria Stern November 27, 2019December 20, 2024

We know good nutrition is tied to good health. But is there evidence that food should be prescribed and paid for like medicine?

Person in a white lab coat opening a door next to an eye chart on a wall.

Health Equity

What Brings You In Today?

by Dan Gorenstein and Leslie Walker November 13, 2019January 6, 2025

Health care leaders are spending more time and money trying to improve how doctors and nurses communicate with their patients. Are those efforts working?