The U.S. Housing of Urban Development (HUD) has revealed new actions in order to address the root causes of health disparities and foster interagency collaboration to ensure that all Americans can live a healthier life. This new approach, with the aid of HUD programs, is set to improve the country's social determinants of health through innovative initiatives.
HUD's latest initiative comes in response to the persistent health disparities seen across different communities in the United States. According to a HUD press release, the U.S. Playbook to Address Social Determinants of Health is a thorough set of actions set to improve social determinants of health, which impact the lives of everyone in the country. Among the initiative highlights are utilizing housing as the catalyst for better health, which are backed up by HUD programs like Choice Neighborhoods are supporting collaborative efforts to address social determinants of health.
The role of adequate housing as a fundamental aspect of overall wellbeing and success is being recognized by leading authorities within HUD. "Housing is foundational to health and lifelong success. Today's Playbook and suite of actions are important steps forward in our efforts to advance health equity," said HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge.
In addition to housing-focused strategies, partnerships with other federal departments will aid in addressing other social needs affecting vulnerable populations. According to the media release, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has also announced a new Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) framework that will aid states support for clinically appropriate and evidence-based interventions to support housing and nutrition needs for certain Medicaid enrollees. Moreover, the program will give healthy food to pregnant and postpartum women and help individuals experiencing homelessness find housing.
A further key element of this initiative is the collaboration between HUD and other governmental entities to provide effective support mechanisms for states and communities. The framework program will be backed by the HUD-based housing choice vouchers and homelessness assistance grants. Moreover, the department will work with other government entities to provide information to states and communities on how to better leverage Medicaid to cover housing-related HRSNs and coordinate these services with HUD’s programs.
With an encouraging stance towards collective efforts, Secretary Fudge expressed optimism about future improvements in health equity through coordinated strategies. "HUD continues to work with our partners across the administration and the country to coordinate the housing, health care, and supportive services that enable Americans to thrive," said Fudge. "I encourage HUD grantees and partners to utilize the Playbook to inform their work and engagement."
