Good Health, Better World
Stronger communities begin with good health — for everyone. Some people are more likely to develop chronic health conditions, simply because of where they live, their economic status, their level of education, and even ready access to grocery stores. These factors — and underlying inequities — influence the decisions people can make which may lead to life-altering consequences regarding their health.
Experts recognize this set of factors with a name: social determinants of health. The World Health Organization defines social determinants as the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age, and how these circumstances are shaped by the distribution of resources.
The Good Health, Better World podcast sponsored by UPMC Health Plan brings experts together to discuss some of healthcare’s most important (and often challenging) topics.
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Season 1, Episode 8: What’s Next for Social Determinants?
So many factors influence the choices a person makes regarding their health. Addressing these social factors often seems insurmountable. But many organizations are beginning to make inroads. This includes health insurers, like UPMC Health Plan, who are exploring approaches that help support the “whole person” — which in theory can lead to overall better health and wellness.
In this episode, we hear from Diane Holder, CEO of UPMC Health Plan and executive vice president at UPMC. We also hear from Kate Berry, senior vice president of clinical innovation with America’s Health Insurance Plans, based in Washington, D.C.
Meet the Host
Ellen is a behavioral scientist and clinical psychologist who trained at the University of Vermont, where she worked with cancer survivors and their families. She currently serves as the associate vice president of population health and clinical affairs for UPMC Health Plan Her work is focused on the use of digital tools from the clinical side to promote health, wellness, and health behavior change.
She completed post-doctoral research at the National Cancer Institute in the Health Communication and Informatics Research Branch within the Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences. She spent nearly five years in academic medicine at the University of Pittsburgh and Hillman Cancer Center.
A native of the Pittsburgh area, Ellen also is the co-author of “Porchtraits” in which she interviewed people on their front porch, amid the pandemic.
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More Episodes
Season 1, Episode 9: COVID-19 Vaccinations and Your Workforce
Season 1, Episode 7: Better Health for Mom and Baby
