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What is Meant by Social Determinants of Health?

Benjamin T. Bencomo, DSW, LISW, LCSW, Judy Barnstone, MSW, PhD

July 1, 2022

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Question

What is meant by social determinants of health? 

Answer

For a long time, it was assumed that health was an outcome of our genetics. But now we really understand that health is highly dependent on our environments. Social determinants of health are conditions of living. It is how and where we live. It is the circumstances of our lives that affect our health, our mental health, and children's development. It includes the resources, opportunities, and hazards that are present in our environment. 

 

This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the Continued Learning Podcast,  Social Work Practice and Achieving Health Equitypresented by Benjamin T. Bencomo, DSW, LISW, LCSW and Judy Barnstone, MSW, PhD

 


benjamin t bencomo

Benjamin T. Bencomo, DSW, LISW, LCSW

Dr. Ben Bencomo is an Assistant Professor of Social Work with the Facundo Valdez School of Social Work at New Mexico Highlands University. He received his MSW degree from NMHU and his DSW degree from the University of St. Thomas. Dr. Bencomo currently serves on the CSWE, Council on Racial, Ethnic and Cultural Diversity. He was also recently appointed to the Governor's Racial Justice Council by New Mexico Governor, Michelle Lujan-Grisham.


judy barnstone

Judy Barnstone, MSW, PhD

Dr. Judy Barnstone, is an Associate Professor at the Facundo Valdez School of Social Work at New Mexico Highlands University in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Dr. Barnstone’s research interests include health disparities and community-based prevention of poor health and mental health, the influence of opportunity and hazards in the physical and social environment on health behaviors and well-being, and differential health care access.  Dr. Barnstone has over 20 years of social work experience and currently serves on the New Mexico Health Task Force, the School of Public Health Advocacy Group, and the Legislative Affairs Committee of the New Mexico chapter of the NASW. 


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