White House Official to Address Social Determinants of Health at Policy Forum

In a significant development for health policy, Jessica Schubel, special assistant to the President for Health Care at the White House Domestic Policy Council, will deliver the opening keynote address at the third annual Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) Policy Forum on December 3. The forum, organized by RISE and Aligning for Health, aims to bridge the gap between policymakers and practitioners in addressing social factors that influence health outcomes.

Schubel's address is expected to outline the Biden administration's initiatives and future directions for integrating SDoH into federal health programs. Her presentation will cover current challenges and opportunities in creating more equitable health outcomes, as well as collaborative efforts between federal, state, and local entities.

The three-day event in Washington, D.C., will feature presentations from key health agencies including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Members of Congress, health plans, and community-based organizations will also contribute, offering diverse perspectives on implementing policies to improve community health and well-being.

This year's forum introduces a new preconference workshop focusing on policy principles and the current SDoH landscape. The workshop will explore terminology, interactions between different levels of government, funding streams, and legislative efforts in health equity.

The convergence of high-level policymakers and cross-sector practitioners at this forum underscores the growing recognition of social determinants in shaping health outcomes. As healthcare systems increasingly acknowledge the impact of factors such as housing, education, and economic stability on health, events like this play a crucial role in shaping policy responses.

For the healthcare industry, this forum represents an opportunity to align practices with evolving federal policies on SDoH. The insights shared could influence future healthcare delivery models, reimbursement structures, and community health initiatives. Moreover, the emphasis on collaborative efforts signals a potential shift towards more integrated approaches to addressing health disparities.

As social determinants of health continue to gain prominence in policy discussions, the outcomes of this forum could have far-reaching implications for healthcare providers, insurers, and community organizations. The focus on practical policy solutions may lead to new frameworks for addressing health inequities and improving population health outcomes across the United States.