In an era where the intersections of health, environment and social equity are more critical than ever, the conversation around social drivers of health (SDOH) continues to be critical to addressing public health. These drivers—ranging from economic stability and access to education to the quality of our physical environment—play a pivotal role in shaping individual and community health outcomes. At CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst), we recognize that health is not merely the absence of illness, but a holistic state influenced by various social and environmental factors.
Our passion for sustainability aligns seamlessly with our commitment to addressing SDOH, as we believe that a healthier planet contributes to healthier communities. By promoting initiatives that foster clean air, drinkable water, safe neighborhoods and equitable access to resources, we are not only enhancing public health but paving the way for a sustainable future.
Recognizing that 80% of an individual's health outcomes are defined outside a doctor's office or clinical setting, we are intentional about addressing our organization's social and environmental footprint. We are proud to continue expanding our work internally and with dedicated community partners who are advancing sustainability or mitigating environmental concerns in our shared communities.
SDOH plays a critical role in shaping health outcomes and environmental sustainability is deeply intertwined with public health, tying this work closely to the mission of CareFirst. Through addressing SDOH, sustainability and environmental impact, we can continue to advance affordable, accessible, equitable and quality healthcare for the people and communities we serve.
Stay tuned for the next part in our Bridging Health and Sustainability articles, where we'll delve into the specific initiatives and strategic steps CareFirst is taking to address these challenges and make a lasting impact.
Learn more about our initiatives and their impact by reading our 2023 Mission Report.