Although not a new concept, Population Health is getting the attention of many outside the world of healthcare. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) views population health as an interdisciplinary, customizable approach that allows health departments to connect practice to policy for change to happen locally. The concept is built around the five Social Determinants of Health —Health Care, Individual Behavior, Social Environment, Physical Environment, and Genetics. Without looking at all five determinants, it is difficult to understand how to impact healthcare delivery in the United States. Based on the 2019 Heath Value Dashboard from the Columbus-based Health Policy Institute of Ohio, the state is not doing a good job in addressing healthcare challenges. Ohio ranks among the lowest in many of the categories that define good health. As explained by Dr. Joseph Geskey at an ACHE conference on Population Health sponsored by Mount Carmel and Otterbein University last fall, “Looking at something as simple as where someone lives — their zip code — can help you understand the challenges an individual faces in addressing their healthcare needs.” As suggested by Dr. Geskey, this link can provide you with additional information.

– Allied Health Graduate Director Paul Longenecker