Reducing Barriers to Healthcare with Untraditional Investments and Partners

There are a variety of factors that impact the overall health of an individual and their community. These factors are called social determinants of health (SDOH), or the social and environmental factors that are harder to address within the walls of a clinical practice. SDOH can include housing stability, food security, educational and economic opportunities and even transportation . By addressing these untraditional aspects of health, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) works proactively to limit the development of chronic conditions and improve the health of our region.

Kimberly Harris, Director of Community Health and Social Impact for the National Capital Area at CareFirst, spoke with WTOP News about CareFirst’s community efforts including partnerships and investments to better health outcomes in the mid-Atlantic region.

Through grant investments and partnerships, CareFirst is able to work collaboratively with our friends and neighbors on a variety of projects, all of increased importance. From initiatives creating green spaces and workforce development to food service projects providing health food options to those in food deserts, we’re impacting the root causes of chronic illness and creating longer healthier lives for our region.