Six of Minnesota’s largest health systems have dedicated some 30 administrative employees and financial and operational executives toward a joint year-long learning endeavor — probing the intersection of health and housing.
It’s an unusual undertaking, but the inaugural Minnesota Healthcare Learning Cohort seeks to deepen growing research into “social determinants of health,” or the everyday aspects of modern living that steer some groups to healthier outcomes and hold others back. Research shows some 80% of health is linked to what happens outside of a doctor’s office or medical institution.
The 30 fellows, drawn from wide-ranging departments such as operations, finance, community engagement, patient education and pediatric care, will weigh results from community investments and practices across the country surrounding affordable housing.
The cohort is a product of the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund’s Housing & Health Initiative. The goal is for participants to bring their findings back to their respective healthcare institutions to help guide policymaking.
The participating organizations are Allina Health, Children’s Minnesota, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, Essentia Health, CentraCare, and M Health Fairview.
“We have seen through our work how a stable home is the most impactful social determinant of health and equity,” said Eric Muschler, director of the Housing & Health Initiative. “Housing is a key multiplier for outcomes that improve family and community health including education, income security, safety, connectivity, and even mental health.”
The year-long program is backed by a partnership of the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund and the Center for Community Investment.
GMHF Announces Inaugural Health Fellows Cohort