Differences in Social Determinants of Health contribute to the stark and persistent chronic disease disparities in the United States among racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, systematically limiting opportunities for members of some groups to be healthy. Interventions targeting SDoH have tremendous potential to narrow disparities across many chronic diseases by removing systemic and unfair barriers to practicing healthy behaviors.

The health and economic crisis stemming from the pandemic has magnified the systemic barriers to health and how they are particularly worse for marginalized groups. Though past and current efforts have focused on addressing health outcomes – racial and geographic health disparities – today’s social climate demands that stakeholders acknowledge how systemic racism and economic inequality are drivers of health inequities, which, in turn, perpetuate disparities.

How can health plans, health systems and other healthcare stakeholders engage to improve health equity through targeted SDoH initiatives? The panel of speakers in this session provide case examples on providing optimal care through the lens of SDoH for black women residing in medically underserved communities. Through tech-enabled and community-based service providers involving transportation, virtual care, and prenatal and postpartum care, these collective uses of service combined with culturally competent providers and technology could have a resounding effect to improve outcomes and reduce global maternal mortality.