In Massachusetts, significant health care transformation is under way, including efforts to reform the way health care is delivered and paid for by putting greater focus on wellness, prevention, and value-based care. This creates a rare window of opportunity for health equity advocates and allies to join forces with health care in order to address the social determinants of health and identify priorities to narrow gaping health disparities. 

We know that the social determinants of health, such as lack of affordable housing, barriers to safe and reliable transportation, and limited access to well-paying jobs or healthy food, contribute more to poor health outcomes than lack of access to clinical care, and create deep health inequities across race and income. Despite this, non-medical barriers to good health have traditionally been seen as outside the purview of health care, even as these factors continue to drive up health care costs as well as health inequities. Current changes to the health care system means public health and our partners have a unique opportunity right now to work with health care to address and mitigate the social determinants. 

To seize this opportunity, MPHA recently launched a new campaign, the Alliance for Community Health Integration (ACHI) to create a strong unified voice for equity and prevention in our health care system. ACHI is comprised of public health, consumer advocacy, social service, housing, and other advocacy organizations.

We have already begun working with hospitals, Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), policy makers, and other stakeholders to advance the campaign's three priorities:

1. Maximizing the impact of the new MassHealth Accountable Care Organizations
2. Aligning hospital investments with community needs
3. Partnering with health care organizations to support and advance safe and affordable housing policy

As MPHA members and supporters, we count you as important partners in this urgent work. Stay tuned for updates and more information on ACHI and health care reform, and click here to learn more about campaign priorities and coalition members.

Many members of the ACHI coalition serve on this working group and will continue to advocate for public health's role informing and advising health care on addressing the social determinants of health.

Don't miss an opportunity to nominate your public health hero!  Your nominee could be honored at MPHA's 16th Annual Spring Awards breakfast! This year's breakfast will be held on  June 1st at the State Room on 60 State Street in Boston . 

Who inspires you in their work towards health equity for Massachusetts? What person or organization has made an everlasting positive impact on the health of local communities?