SDOH - It's Personal!

I am reaching out to share my personal connection to the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH). Language barriers, access to education, economic stability, and healthcare accessibility are all critical social determinants that can shape health trajectories.

My mother, a brave woman who migrated from Puerto Rico in the late 1950s, faced significant barriers that impacted her health and well-being—despite her aspirations to further her education, language barriers, and limited access to schooling forced her to attend night classes far from home. She had to choose to drop out of night school to contribute to the household's income. This was a reality she faced daily.

As a single mother of three battling depression, she often had to choose between providing food for her family, clothing us, or buying medication. Witnessing her struggle with mental health, exacerbated by a healthcare system lacking Spanish-speaking support, deeply affected me. These experiences have fueled my commitment to advocating for changes in our health system to address these inequities.

My mother's experience as a migrant facing language barriers, educational hurdles, tough choices between education, unemployment, food insecurities, lacking childcare, and mental health resources highlights the complexity of social determinants of health issues. The lack of language support in healthcare settings back then, however, these determinants continue to affect our communities, underscoring the critical importance of addressing SDOH to improve health equity.

Her story is a powerful testament to the resilience of so many people in the face of systemic obstacles. It serves as a compelling example of why SDOH must be a central consideration in public health and policy discussions.

I'm proud to say that because of her struggles, I'm here today, living her dream of completing a Master's Degree in Healthcare Administration. And, I also work with CBOs that provide services to the most vulnerable populations.

I stand by my motto - Investing In our communities! Now is the Time!

Hope