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Understanding the Social Determinants of Health
HEALTHY COMMUNITIES
Good health begins where we live, learn, work and play. Stable housing, quality schools, access to good jobs, and neighborhood safety are all important influences, as is culturally competent healthcare. RWJF supports communities with the data, knowledge, and tools to expand their commitment to addressing the social determinants of health so that everyone can live the healthiest life possible.
RWJF supports programs that are continuing to expand our understanding of the social determinants which shape our health. We are helping communities with the data, knowledge, and tools they need to enable everyone to live the healthiest life possible.
Related News and Insights
Read expert perspectives and the latest research from RWJF to explore the opportunities and complexities of this topic.
![A young girl in playing in a tunnel at the playground. A young girl in playing in a tunnel at the playground.](/en/our-vision/focus-areas/healthy-communities-social-determinants-of-health/_jcr_content/root/container/card_column_control/col-6-6-1/cardcontainer/res_0.coreimg.jpeg/1689274746484/13-12-19-rwjf-traumasmart-2949-brightened.jpeg)
RWJF Commission to Build a Healthier America
1-min read
![A group of men in hard hats working on a construction project under a beautiful blue sky. A group of men in hard hats working on a construction project under a beautiful blue sky.](/en/our-vision/focus-areas/healthy-communities-social-determinants-of-health/_jcr_content/root/container/card_column_control/col-6-6-1/cardcontainer/res_1.coreimg.png/1716902618266/rwjf2023-coh-austin-alcazararazelly-1013-0203.png)
RWJF Announces New Allocation for Impact Investments to Improve Health Equity
2-min read
![A father and son walking on a sidewalk while a bus passes by. A father and son walking on a sidewalk while a bus passes by.](/en/our-vision/focus-areas/healthy-communities-social-determinants-of-health/_jcr_content/root/container/card_column_control/col-6-6-1/cardcontainer/res_2.coreimg.jpeg/1690830282894/rwjf2021-coh-nationalcity-clark-0922-3017.jpeg)
Impact Investments
2-min read
Featured Initiatives
RWJF funds many initiatives in support of our vision for a Culture of Health. For this focus area, these initiatives were selected to demonstrate grantmaking that is helping us achieve the greatest impact.
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Health Affairs: Health Policy Briefs
Browse a collection of briefs that explore current evidence, research, and potential policy interventions that are fundamental to advancing a Culture of Health during postpandemic recovery.
![Group of multi-ethnic women walking down the stairs of gym. Group of multi-ethnic women walking down the stairs of gym.](/en/our-vision/focus-areas/healthy-communities-social-determinants-of-health/_jcr_content/root/container/column_control_17031/col-6-6-2/card_copy_copy_copy.coreimg.jpeg/1687961880358/gettyimages-1194087250-flipped.jpeg)
RWJF Culture of Health Prize
The RWJF Culture of Health Prize honors and elevates U.S. communities working at the forefront of advancing health and equity for all.
9-min read
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County Health Rankings and Roadmaps
This national program highlights the many social and economic factors that influence health and shows how health is influenced by where we live, learn, work and play. The program also offers tools to understand the data and strategies that communities can use to move from education to action.