What COVID-19 taught us about community health
Through social distancing, vaccine distribution, virtual school, remote work, and more, we have been powerfully and undeniably reminded that we are all interconnected.
Courtesy of the SSM Health Foundation
Over the course of the past 18 months, life has rapidly and irreversibly changed for all of us. We understand more than ever how even the smallest action—whether it be wearing a mask or making a donation—can drastically impact the trajectory of not only another life but also an entire community.
With this renewed understanding comes an opportunity and responsibility to contributeto the betterment of our community. As we continue to face challenges and ripple effects caused by the pandemic, one of the most powerful ways that we can do so is by addressing inequities that keep one in 10 people in our region from accessing the care and resources they need.
Medicine should always be about holistic wellness: treatment of the body, mind, and soul. In the same way, community health is much more than just direct care services. It also includes addressing the underlying social, financial, and environmental factors that prevent people from being able to access care. When we work to minimize these barriers, we can give our neighbors the resources they need to prioritize their health and, by extension, the health of our entire community. To do so, we must create intentional and sustainable resources that our neighbors can rely on far into the future. Consider some of these key stats:
- Homelessness impacts one in 34 people in our region. Our community has a real need to help people find safe, sustainable places to stay through housing coordination and similar efforts.
- Food insecurity affects one in six of our neighbors. As a result, nutritional resources such as food banks, grocery prescription programs, and social needs closets are always in need of support.
- One in 20 people in greater St. Louis have trouble finding work. In our current climate, workforce development programs and job-training efforts for the unemployed and underemployed are more important than ever.
Today, those working in health care understand that they must take a broader view of wellness in our region. That’s why SSM Health is committed to building community health resources and partnerships to help provide greater access to care, food, housing, transportation, and job training. Because SSM Health knows that building healthier communities starts with treating the root causes of health issues among the underserved, not just the symptoms.
You can learn more about SSM Health’s community health efforts, including how you can make an impact, by attending RISE, the SSM Health Foundation Gala, which will be held October 9 in support of SSM Health Community Health. Visit givetossmhealth.org/gala to learn more.
It has been said that gratitude is the genesis of philanthropy. In this unique moment, gratitude is a common thread that bonds us all: gratitude for our loved ones, for our resources, for the health care workers and countless others who continue to carry us through. Harnessing that gratitude into action can drive change that impacts us all. By rising together with purpose and compassion, we can help our neighbors build healthier futures for themselves. When we do, our communities rise with them.
This post was created by SLM Partner Studio on behalf of SSM Health Foundation. To learn more, visit givetossmhealth.org.
