Nemours Children’s Health Goes Beyond Medicine to Cure Families’ Non-Medical Needs  


SDoH Screening for children

Nemours Children’s Health knows healthcare is more than just medicine. The conditions in which we are born, grow, live, work, and age – known as non-medical drivers of health (NMDoH) – can greatly help or harm our health. That is why Nemours gave multiple leaders, including Kelli Thompson, director of population health management; Na-Tasha Williams, population health specialist; and Alex Koster, senior director of the value-based care data analytics and IT department; the space to begin developing a non-medical drivers of health screening program in 2018. The NMDoH screening program is now fully implemented or being piloted in multiple Nemours locations, including in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Florida. To screen patients for immediate needs, such as food and housing ...

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We Need More Complete Data on Non-Medical Drivers of Health


We Need More Complete Data on Non-Medical Drivers of Health

Data can drive action for healthy change. But what if we don’t have enough data? Or the right data? Or fair data? Unfortunately, even with more health reports and more health dashboards than ever before, we still face inconsistent and incomplete data. We are lacking sufficient data – especially data disaggregated by background – on non-medical drivers of health, firearm violence, traffic crashes, and adverse childhood experiences. Insufficient data happens for many reasons. Limited funding, limited staff, uncertain methods, logistical challenges, entrenched practices, inadequate analysis, and inadequate or non-uniform reporting after data collection are occurring at the local, state, and federal levels. Let’s explore the most critical missing data and how health ...

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10,000 People Speak Up and USDA Expands Free School Meals for All Students!


Students eating lunch

The USDA has sought comments on a proposed rule to increase the number of high-poverty schools that can offer free school meals for all students. The proposal would expand the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) by lowering the minimum identified student percentage participation threshold from 40% to 25%. That means more schools and districts can opt into the CEP, which can: Increase school meal participation. Reduce stigma. maximize federal reimbursements. eliminate unpaid meal charges. reduce paperwork for school staff and families. “Many schools and even some entire states have successfully provided free meals to all their students,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “We applaud their leadership in nourishing children and hope this proposed ...

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Healthcare Coverage Low among Latinos, Regardless of Education


Latina going over insurance options.

Healthcare coverage rates are better among people with higher education levels. But Latinos still face some of the largest health insurance coverage gaps among background groups, no matter their education level, new Census research shows. “Those identifying as American Indian and Alaska Native ... or Hispanic had the highest uninsured rates at all education levels,” according to the Census Bureau. Let’s dive deeper into the differences in education level and uninsured rates by background, with a close look at Latinos. What Is the State of Latino Educational Attainment? 20.8% of Latinos age 25 to 64 had a bachelor's degree or higher in 2021, according to Census data. This is a lower rate than 60.8% of Asians, 41.5% of Whites, and 26.8% of African Americans. Still, ...

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Number of Latinas in Higher Education Continues to Grow


Latina on graduation day

As the US Latino population continues to grow, so does the number of Latinas. Today, the Latina population has grown at a faster rate than Latino men, with 24% of Latinas making up the total population (compared to a 22% growth for Latino men). With this increase also comes more Latinas in higher education. Latinas have experienced a 52% rise in college degree attainment at Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) from 2015 to 2020, according to a new report from Excelencia in Education. In 2020, Latinas earned over 300,000 degrees at HSIs (growth of 52%) compared to 188,000 degrees earned by Latino men at HSIs (growth of 44%). Let’s dive into the growth and numbers of Latinas in higher education. Latina College Enrollment & HSIs As of Fall 2020, almost half (48%) of ...

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New Year, Same Concerns: Why Racism is Still a Public Health Crisis in 2024


racism

As we begin a new year, it’s important to take a step back and appreciate our achievements. But it’s also critical to recognize our shortcomings – especially in public health, which affects everyone. Here’s your reminder why racism is still a public health crisis in 2024, and how you can help support the health of all people. What is Racism? Racism is the discrimination or prejudice of others based on their race or ethnic group. Racism has existed for thousands of years globally and is deeply rooted in our nation’s history. Populations of color, such as Blacks and Latinos, often experience racism. Racism against others can happen directly, such as denying someone a job because of their race, or indirectly, such as through structural policies that perpetuate ...

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