Connecticut Hospital Association, software company start statewide network to address social determinants of health

The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) is joining forces with Unite Us, a software company that specializes in building coordinated care networks of health and social service providers, to implement a statewide network aimed at addressing the social determinants of health (SDoH), according to a Unite Us press release.

“With the Unite Us technology platform, Connecticut’s hospitals and health systems, in collaboration with community-based organizations, will be better equipped to address patients’ needs from a holistic standpoint,” CHA CEO Jennifer Jackson said in the press release.

According to Unite Us, the shared technology platform will help Connecticut hospitals and health systems improve the delivery of coordinated care by connecting patients with the social services they may need, including housing, food, transportation, and employment.

“CHA is the first hospital association to invest in a social determinants of health solution for a statewide opportunity,” Unite Us President Taylor Justice said in the press release. The statewide effort is currently being implemented regionally.

The partnership reflects a growing trend to make SDoH a greater focus in clinical practice, as studies show the SDoH have a significant impact on health outcomes. According to a recent presentation by the American Hospital Association, 80% of an individual’s health is tied to physical environment, the SDoH, and behavioral factors while just 20% can be attributed to care access and quality of services.