What's Happening?
Temple Health has significantly expanded its Social Drivers of Health (SDOH) screening initiative across its primary care, emergency departments, and specialty settings since 2019. This program aims to identify and address non-medical factors that influence
patient health, such as housing instability, food insecurity, transportation barriers, and financial pressures. According to Lakisha R. Sturgis, Director of Community Care Management, Population Health for Temple Health, the organization has completed over 850,000 screenings, growing from 9,800 screenings in 2019 to more than 245,000 in 2025. The initiative involves building a network of community partnerships and developing tailored programs, including recruiting community health workers to help patients access resources. Specialized programs address specific needs like food and housing insecurity, transportation, and digital access. Temple Health has also established an intensive clinic for patients with complex medical and social needs and expanded its community outreach through a mobile health van and various community events.
Why It's Important?
This initiative is crucial for addressing health disparities in low-income communities, where over 40% of residents live in poverty and face significant challenges related to food insecurity, housing, violence, and access to care. By proactively identifying social needs, Temple Health can intervene earlier, strengthen care coordination, and connect individuals with essential community resources. The program demonstrates a shift in healthcare delivery, positioning health systems as community partners rather than just medical care providers. The Multi-Visit Patient (MVP) Clinic, a component of this initiative, has shown tangible improvements in patient outcomes, with participants experiencing 58% fewer hospitalizations and 55% fewer emergency department visits, while increasing outpatient visits by 35%. This model highlights the effectiveness of integrating social support with medical care to achieve better overall health outcomes and reduce the burden on emergency services.
What's Next?
The success of Temple Health's SDOH screening initiative provides a valuable model for other health systems looking to improve community health. The program emphasizes that screening is most effective when health systems have robust resources and partnerships in place to respond to identified patient needs. Future steps for Temple Health will likely involve continuing to refine and expand its network of community partnerships and specialized programs. The organization may also focus on sharing its findings and best practices with other healthcare providers to encourage broader adoption of similar comprehensive approaches. The ongoing data collection from screenings will allow for continuous evaluation and adaptation of programs to meet evolving community needs, further solidifying the health system's role in addressing the social determinants of health.
Beyond the Headlines
The Temple Health initiative underscores a growing recognition within the healthcare industry that health is profoundly influenced by social and economic factors beyond clinical care. This approach moves beyond traditional medical interventions to address the root causes of poor health, such as poverty and lack of access to basic necessities. Ethically, it represents a commitment to health equity, ensuring that individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status, have access to the resources needed to maintain their well-being. Legally, such initiatives could influence public policy discussions around healthcare funding and the integration of social services into healthcare models. Culturally, it fosters a more holistic view of patient care, promoting collaboration between healthcare providers and community organizations to create healthier, more resilient communities. This shift could lead to long-term changes in how healthcare is delivered and funded in the U.S., emphasizing preventive care and community-based solutions.
