Supporting Social Determinants of Health

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the conditions in which people live, work, and age that affect their health and well-being. They include factors such as income, education, housing, food security, social support, and access to health care. Research shows that SDOH accounts for up to 80% of health outcomes, while clinical care accounts for only 20%.

At Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging (WRAAA), we recognize the importance of addressing SDOH for older adults and individuals with disabilities who want to remain independent and healthy in their homes and communities. That is why we offer a range of programs and services that aim to improve the quality of life and health outcomes of our members by addressing their social needs.

Some examples of how WRAAA supports SDOH are:

• We provide home-delivered meals, nutrition counseling, and food pantry referrals to help our members meet their dietary needs and prevent malnutrition.
• We offer transportation assistance, home modifications, and assistive devices to help our members maintain their mobility and access to health care and other essential services.
• We conduct home assessments and care coordination to help our members identify and address any safety hazards, environmental barriers, or unmet needs in their homes.
• We connect our members to benefits and resources that can help them reduce their financial stress and afford their medications, utilities, and other expenses.
• We facilitate socialization and engagement opportunities, such as senior centers, wellness programs, and volunteer activities, to help our members combat isolation and loneliness and enhance their mental and emotional well-being.
• We provide caregiver support, education, and respite to help family caregivers cope with the challenges and demands of caring for their loved ones.

Social determinants of health (SDOH) support public health initiatives by addressing the root causes of health disparities and inequities among different populations. Public health initiatives aim to protect and improve the health and well-being of communities and individuals by preventing diseases, promoting healthy behaviors, and creating supportive environments. By focusing on SDOH, public health initiatives can target the social and environmental factors that influence health outcomes and reduce the gaps in health status and access to care among different groups.

For example, public health initiatives that provide affordable housing, quality education, safe neighborhoods, and food security can help prevent chronic conditions, infectious diseases, mental disorders, and substance abuse among low-income and marginalized populations. Additionally, public health initiatives that involve community engagement, empowerment, and advocacy can help address the social and structural determinants of health, such as racism, discrimination, and stigma, that affect the health and well-being of minority and vulnerable groups. By supporting SDOH, public health initiatives can create healthier and more equitable communities and societies.

By supporting SDOH, WRAAA not only helps our members achieve better health outcomes, but also reduces health care costs and utilization, improves health equity and quality of care, and promotes healthy aging and community living. We are proud to be a leader and partner in improving the lives and health of older adults and individuals with disabilities in our region.

Adult Immunization Schedule
Local immunization events can be found on our What's Happening page.

Events & Presentations

If you would like to collaborate with WRAAA on a health education event or a vaccination drive please visit our Contact Us page and submit an inquiry. Team members: Lynda Khoury, or
Mary Lipovan from the WRAAA Public Health department will follow up with you.

Interested in event collaboration or a presentation? Complete our Event Registration form: https://forms.office.com/r/5Kw5jgaMh9

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What's Happening

For information on events WRAAA Public Health staff will be attending, visit our Agency calendar: 

Resource Library 

For an archive of more health news, resources, and public health information visit our Resource Library.

Public Health News

Staying Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines
Vaccinations and Older Adults
COVID-19 Care for Uninsured Individuals
Who should get a flu vaccine this season?
All about Shingles  
About Handwashing
Aging and Sleep 
Get the facts about pneumonia

Resources for Good Health

Emergency Rooms for geriatrics are helping older patients get diagnosed accurately
When and How to Wash Your Hands
How uninsured adults can still get vaccinated against COVID
Aging and Sleep: Prevent Disease with More Zs
Who Needs a Flu Vaccine
Get Four Free At-⁠Home COVID-⁠19 Tests This Fall
12 Ways to Have a Healthy Holiday Season | Health Equity Features
Medical Cannabis for Older Adults
Get The Facts About Pneumococcal Pneumonia
5 Things You Need to Know About Shingles
What Older Adults Need to Know During Flu Season
Stay Up to Date With COVID-19 Vaccines
Influenza Vaccination Fast FactsHHS Bridge Program Vaccine and Treatments Facts - Where to Receive A COVID-19 Vaccine 
COVID-19: What You Need to Know

Public Health Department Information

Community information on COVID-19, Flu and other immunizations:

Cleveland Department of Public Health
Phone: 216-664-2362 (best number to schedule vaccine appointments for homebound individuals.)
Cuyahoga County Board of Health
Lake County Health Department                              
Lorain County Health                                     
Medina County Health 

More:
List of Offices on Aging in Northeast Ohio                            

WRAAA Public Health Mission and Vision

Mission: To make public health information, education, and resources accessible for all.

Vision: We advocate for public health resources to be attainable, understandable, and based on facts, so all individuals have choices to plan for good health.