Food Insecurity and the Role of Hospitals

The American Hospital Association hosted a webinar that is an extension of the “Social Determinants of Health Series: Food Insecurity and the Role of Hospitals” guide; which featured innovative practices Arkansas Children’s Hospital and ProMedica implemented to identify and reduce the prevalence of food insecurity in the communities they serve. Because only 20 percent of health can be attributed to medical care, hospitals are recognizing the effects socio-economic factors have on health. Food insecurity is a determinant of health that is affecting more than 15.8 million households in America. It is linked to chronic conditions like obesity and diabetes and can delay child development. Many other physical, behavioral, clinical and socio-economic factors that determine the health and well-being of an individual are associated with food insecurity, making it a significant health care issue that needs to be embraced in any hospital’s population health strategy.

Presenters:

• Barbara Petee, Chief Advocacy and Government Relations Officer, ProMedica
• Stephanie Cihon, Manager, Community Relations, Advocacy and Grants, ProMedica
• Anna Strong, Executive Director of Child Advocacy and Public Health, Arkansas Children's Hospital
• Scott Allen, Director of Community Outreach, Arkansas Children's Hospital
• Moderator: Kim Prendergast, Community Health and Nutrition Consultant, Feeding America