What is Health Equity? The attainment of the highest level of health for all people, where everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their optimal health regardless of race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, geography, preferred language, or other factors that affect access to care and health outcomes.

Who is involved? ACMH is partnering with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to advance health equity by participating in programs that support health for all the people served by our programs, eliminating avoidable differences in health outcomes experienced by people who are disadvantaged or underserved, and providing the care and support that our patients need to thrive. CMS FRAMEWORK FOR HEALTH EQUITY

Why is it important? Health inequities systematically put populations who are already socially disadvantaged (for example, by virtue of being poor, female, or members of a disenfranchised racial, ethnic, or religious group) at further disadvantage with respect to their health. ACMH is working to achieve Health Equity by addressing economic, social, and other obstacles to health and health care; and working towards eliminating preventable health disparities.

Social Determinants of Health are nonmedical factors that influence health outcomes. These factors include:

• FOOD INSECURITY - Limited or uncertain access to adequate quality and quantity of food.
• HOUSING INSTABILITY - Inability to pay rent, frequent changes in residence, overcrowded conditions as well as lack of housing.
• TRANSPORTATION NEEDS - Lack of vehicle, public services, frequently missed appointments.
• UTILTY DIFFICULTIES - Inconsistent availability of electricity, water, heating.
• INTERPERSONAL SAFETY - Exposure to abuse, violence, social isolation or living conditions.

Addressing the Social Determinants of Health is a tool we are implementing to enhance our ability to provide you with the best care possible. 

Why Now? Hospitals and Physician Practices are required to screen patients for social drivers of health measures CMS FRAMEWORK FOR HEALTH EQUITY. ACMH is actively working to meet this requirement and provide assistance to enhance your overall health. 

What is an Assessment? At your next physician office visit or hospital stay, you will be asked a series of questions to identify areas where we can provide help and resources. These questions relate to different aspects of your life and although it might not seem like it, these factors can contribute greatly to your overall health and well-being. The conversations take place in a one-on-one healthcare setting, with a very formal protocol in place for ensuring your privacy, so we encourage you to speak freely.

Here are some samples of questions you will be asked:

• Within the past 12 months, did you worry that your food would run out before you got money to buy more?
• Within the past 12 months, has a lack of transportation kept you from medical appointments or from doing things needed for daily living, such as grocery shopping, medical appointments, ability to get to work, etc.?
• Within the past 12 months, have you been unable to get utilities (heat, electricity) when it was really needed?
• Do you feel physically or emotionally unsafe where you currently live?

PROVIDING SOLUTIONS

We are here to discuss the impact of these factor in your life, and more importantly, provide you with resources and assistance to aid in addressing and overcoming them. Opening this line of communication helps us help you, and we look forward to talking with you about these and other health-related issues.