The leading cause of food insecurity, the inability to consistently access quality, healthy food options usually within vulnerable communities is poverty, inadequate food policy and distribution and waste. At RWJBarnabas Health, Health Beyond the Hospital recognizes that social determinants such as income, education, food security, housing, and systemic racism affects health outcomes for every individual. Therefore, we are dedicated to providing care that is patient-centered, unbiased, culturally competent, supportive socially and behaviorally, and where patients can, from start to finish, choose how they want to receive care. We educate providers to consider language, literacy, culture and these social determinants of health in the care process to ensure patient engagement and a successful change in patient behavior. Health Beyond the Hospital is funded by the Walmart Foundation and the RWJ Foundation and is the first program of its kind in the country.
Learn more about Health Beyond the Hospital.