The Build Healthy Places Network, a program of the Public Health Institute, supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, recently published an essay highlighting the utility of community partnerships in improving local health outcomes. The article, featured in the latest issue of the program’s Crosswalk Magazine is titled, From Treating the Ill to Preventing the Illness. It discusses the notion of hospitals and health systems finding significant benefit for improving patient health outcomes, particularly in low-income areas by partnering with community agencies.

These organizations include non-profit community development finance institutions, community development corporations, federally qualified health centers, and others. The success of these partnerships is largely attributed to hospitals and health systems focusing on social determinants of health beyond typical medical needs affecting individuals, especially in those living in underserved communities. Read the full essay and learn more.