Utilizing Social Determinants of Health at Centura

Tamra Lavengood RN, BSN, MSN, CPC+/SIM Coordinator Mercy Primary Care, Katie Korte, Community Health Advocate, and Rodney Gardner, RN, Care Coordinator, Centura Health.  Looking at a patient’s “Social Determinants of Health” has been gaining traction as a focus for whole person healthcare.  Rightly so; in fact these are the first things that need to be addressed before a person’s physical health can be addressed.  Primary Care is the entrance to our healthcare system.  If we can provide whole person care in the Primary Care setting, patients can avoid further complications. People are not “non-compliant,” they just have perceived and/or real issues that have to be addressed first, then they can engage with their healthcare needs.  A grant through the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Catholic Health Initiatives, enabled Mercy Family Medicine (part of Centura Health Physician Group) the opportunity to participate in a project that addresses Social Determinants of Health.  It has been an eye opening, touching and satisfying journey.  Join us for an interactive discussion with the players that are making a difference.