There is no cost to attend, and all interested individuals are invited to participate. Continuing education credit will be available.

Attend at DMU or online.

LEARN MORE.

EDUCATIONAL NEED

Understanding social determinants of health (SDOH) is essential for healthcare professionals and public health workers to address health disparities and promote health equity effectively. These determinants, including economic stability, education, social and community context, health care access, and the built environment, significantly influence individual and population health outcomes. Despite their importance, many in the healthcare and public health sectors have limited awareness or understanding of assessing and addressing SDOH in their practices

Educational and professional development programs frequently focus on clinical care and disease management, with little emphasis on the broader social factors that impact health. This lack of focus contributes to a lack of knowledge, skills, and practices related to identifying and lessening the effects of SDOH. Consequently, healthcare professionals may be ill-equipped to understand health disparities' root causes or implement strategies that address these underlying factors.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Define the five dimensions of healthcare access.
• Describe one determinant of access for each of the five dimensions.
• Identify social, political, and economic determinants of health.
• Describe public health strategies to address health inequity through systems change.

SPEAKERS

Jeneane McDonald, DrPH, MPH
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Master of Public Health Program, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences
Public Health Workforce Director, Iowa Department of Health and Human Services

Jason Semprini, PhD, MPP
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Master of Public Health Program, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences
Postdoctoral Scholar, University of Iowa