KC Health Collaborative

While medical care only accounts for only 10-20% of the factors impacting health outcomes. The real influences? Social drivers of health (SDoH). Accounting for 80-90% of factors impacting health outcomes, SDoH include income, education, neighborhood, and access to nutritious food and safe housing. It's time to look beyond the clinic walls. At KC Health Collaborative we prefer the term "social drivers" of health over the more commonly used "social determinants" of health. For us, the term "determinant" suggests that these factors are fixed, unalterable elements dictating our health outcomes. However, that's far from the truth. By reframing these factors as "drivers," we recognize social constructs such as poverty, substandard housing, and food insecurity aren't predetermined, but are systems and circumstances we have the power to change. Chronic disinvestment, discriminatory policies, and lack of access to opportunity have derailed health for far too many. While altering these unjust realities poses challenges, we remain optimistic that by uniting as a community, we can build pathways toward a healthier future and collectively create resources for change. Bridging the gap between healthcare and SDoH is a critical step toward integrating healthcare more fully into the community and adjusting drivers to positively impact the health of every BODY. Focusing too narrowly on healthcare delivery is treating only the symptoms, not the root causes. It's time to start evaluating ways we can impact social drivers to create a healthier #kc. Join us. Let’s get to work. ****** Follow KC Health Collaborative llaborative to stay up-to-date about our efforts in fostering health equity and community connections in the Kansas City region #healthequity #kansascity #nonprofit #sdoh #socialdeterminant #healthoutcomes #health

"The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.” - Malcolm X Laying the groundwork for a healthier, more equitable future starts now. Investing in health equity today paves the way for generations to come, ensuring that every BODY has the opportunity to thrive. Join KC Health Collaborative to shape a future for our region that prioritizes equitable healthcare for all. Let’s get to work. #healthequity #kansascity #futureisnow #equitablehealthcare #startsnow #laythegroundwork

Healthcare settings are now mandated to screen and report on social drivers of health (SDoH) like food, housing, transportation, and financial insecurity, and interpersonal safety. These drivers significantly influence individual and community health outcomes, particularly in under-resourced communities. Closed-loop referral systems establish critical relationships between healthcare providers screening for SDoHs and community-based partner organizations with the skillsets and community presence to address those needs. This connection helps patients. Streamlined closed-loop processes prevent long wait times, misaligned referrals, and unnecessary burdens on individuals, promoting efficiency and equity. While the concept of communication between healthcare and service organizations is not new, ongoing technology-based efforts, like tracking outcomes through a closed-loop referral system, will enhance patient well-being. As part of our efforts to advance health equity through increased community connectedness, KC Health Collaborative seeks to expand and strengthen the network of closed-loop referral systems for our entire region to ensure that every BODY has the opportunity to live longer, healthier, more equitable lives. Let’s get to work. #healthequitynow #healthequity #Closingthehealthgap #sdoh #equitablehealthcare #buildinghealthiercommunities #sdoh #healthoutcomes

Health equity is about removing barriers so everyone can navigate healthcare fairly. ** Follow KC Health Collaborative to bridge gaps and create better health for every BODY across the Kansas City region and beyond. #healthequity #removebarriers #kansascity #equity

This Thanksgiving, we’re so grateful for our incredible members, Board of Directors, and community partners who share our vision of a healthier, more equitable future. Together, we’re working to close gaps, create opportunities, and ensure that every BODY, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to the care and support they need to thrive. Thank you to everyone working to make health equity a reality. Cheers to continued progress, expanded partnerships, and the shared goal of a healthier tomorrow for our entire region. Happy Thanksgiving! #HealthEquity #Thankful #KeepItUp

Countless Black and brown individuals face barriers to accessing quality healthcare, their struggles often compounded by systemic injustices rooted in race, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status. Baldwin's wisdom urges us to confront these injustices head-on. By acknowledging that while change may not come easily, progress can be made only through facing the realities of inequality. To accomplish health equity, we must first confront the uncomfortable truths underlying disparities in healthcare outcomes. For too long, Black and brown communities have borne the brunt of inadequate access to care, facing discrimination, bias, and structural barriers that prevent them from receiving the support they need. Whether it's the disproportionate impact of chronic diseases on communities of color, the disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes, or the lack of mental health resources in underserved areas, the injustices are glaring and demand our attention. However, facing these challenges is only the first step. Baldwin's words remind us that while some obstacles may seem insurmountable, our collective determination and resilience have the power to drive change. As we confront the inequities that plague our healthcare system, we must also commit ourselves to action, advocating for policies and practices that prioritize the well-being of all individuals, especially those most marginalized. Let us draw inspiration from Baldwin's words and commit ourselves to creating a healthier, more just world for all. Together, we can face the injustices that promote health disparities and work to dismantle them. It won't be easy, and the road ahead may be long, but with courage, compassion, and determination, we can bring about the change that our communities need and deserve. In the words of James Baldwin, "Nothing can be changed until it is faced." Let us face the inequities in our healthcare system with courage and conviction, knowing that our efforts today will create healthier futures. Join us to create change. Let’s get to work. #HealthEquity #kansascity #changenow #healthoutcomes #communities

"No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world." Robin Williams We each hold the power to change the world within ourselves. As we work to advance health equity, every word spoken and every idea shared has the potential to make an impact. Never overlook the ability to use our voices and ideas to champion health equity, confront inequalities, and ignite constructive change within our communities. Join us to create a world where every BODY has access to the resources they need for a healthy and happy life. Let’s get to work. - Follow KC Health Collaborative to help bridge gaps for better health for every BODY in the Kansas City region and beyond. #healthequity #kansascity #useourvoices #changetheworld #holdthepower

Achieving health equity requires intentional strategies and collaborative efforts from all corners of the healthcare system. A new report from the American Hospital Association, the Black Directors Health Equity Agenda, and The Health Management Academy highlights how health systems across the country are making meaningful progress toward a more inclusive and equitable healthcare ecosystem. Through interviews with healthcare executives and board members, the report revealed key strategies for advancing health equity, including: 1. 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: Diverse boards are better positioned to address social drivers of health and create more equitable healthcare outcomes. 2. 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚-𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬: Data collection is imperative for identifying health disparities and tracking the progress of equity initiatives. 3. 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬: Collaboration with local organizations is essential for addressing social drivers of health. 4. 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: Building a diverse healthcare workforce that mirrors the community it serves and provides culturally competent care. 5. 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐄&𝐈 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬: Aligning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) teams with health equity goals ensures that health systems are addressing the needs of their patient populations. As healthcare systems continue to evolve, the inclusion of diverse voices and the focus on preventative, comprehensive care will be essential to building a more equitable future. By following the strategies outlined in this report, healthcare leaders can create lasting change and improve health outcomes for underserved communities across the country. For more insights and recommendations, download the full report, https://loom.ly/ec4Trt8 -- Follow KC Health Collaborative to help bridge gaps for better health for every BODY in the Kansas City region and beyond. #collaborativeeffort #equitablehealthcare #healthequity #healthcaresystem #healthmanagement

Data is knowledge and knowledge is power. Without data, we don’t have the information essential to advancing health equity. By collecting and analyzing data consistently, healthcare systems can discover critical care gaps in care. Further work needs to be done to disaggregate data by race, ethnicity, and language (REL) to provide better and more culturally competent care. More on this here - https://loom.ly/InPbz1w These insights can then inform policies, procedures, and programs to directly address health disparities. When we use data to identify opportunity areas and track the effectiveness of initiatives, we’re able to drive meaningful change, ensuring every patient receives the care they need. Partner with @KC Health Collaborative to find solutions that help healthcare providers build stronger, data-driven programs that promote better health outcomes for all. Let’s get to work. - Follow KC Health Collaborative and join the movement to close health gaps and create better outcomes for every BODY across Kansas City and beyond. #healthequity #healthcaresystems #caregaps #healthdisparity #healthoutcomes #kansascity

Diverse leadership drives change in healthcare. Inclusive boards = stronger alignment with community needs and better health outcomes for every BODY. Let's continue pushing for diversity where it matters most: at the decision-making table. Join us as we work to show organizations the power of diverse leadership and the impact it makes on health equity. Let’s get to work. -- Follow KC Health Collaborative to help bridge gaps for better health for every BODY in the Kansas City region and beyond. #healthequity #diversity #DEI #leadership #kansascity #bettertogether