The state of Virginia is currently conducting a study on Social Determinants of Health, with findings set to be released later this year. This study was requested by the state’s Joint Commission on Health Care, which aims to address the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age.
According to Jen Piver-Renna, a staff member on the commission, there is a 20-year difference in life expectancy rates between the highest and lowest localities in the state. Delegate Rodney Willet expressed concern over these disparities during a recent update to legislators and highlighted various challenges that people face throughout their lives such as housing, health access, food access, crime, and education.
Delegate Bobby Orrock suggested increasing public awareness about resources available to address social determinants of health by providing information through school nurses. Meanwhile, Delegate Cia Price pointed out political issues that have contributed to health disparities such as redlining and underfunding in communities. She emphasized the importance of addressing these issues not only in the joint commission but also in legislative meetings.
In addition to this study on social determinants of health, there is an ongoing research on rural healthcare access issues with Willet and Orrock scheduled to meet in Farmville later this year. The ultimate goal is to create legislation that will help improve social determinants of health throughout Virginia and reduce disparities across different regions of the state.
