WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Novant Health, Novant Health Foundation and Humana have launched an important initiative to address social determinants of health, which are the life circumstances and environments that impact a person’s health and well-being. The yearlong initiative helps tackle food insecurity and improve access to health resources for North Carolinians.
“We know that health does not begin or end with a visit to the doctor, and the work we do outside the walls of Novant Health facilities is just as critical as the work we do inside to help our communities achieve their highest level of health,” said Dr. Chere Gregory, senior vice president and chief health equity officer at Novant Health. “We are discovering new ways to achieve health equity through unique partnerships, such as this one with Humana. We are excited to expand our existing work, putting these strategic plans into action to further impact Novant Health patients, which includes many Humana members.”
Social determinants of health account for at least 80% of a person’s health outcomes, and as part of the Novant Health and Humana collaboration, tens of thousands of people from North Carolina’s underserved communities will be screened for social needs during annual wellness visits so that they may receive additional services and resources. The collaboration will also focus on serving seniors of color with diabetes and high blood pressure, who experience more access and social needs disparities than other populations.
“Novant Health Foundation is committed to raising funds to address the health equity gaps faced by many of the people we serve, as we know that health equity is critical to ensuring safe, quality, patient-centered care.” said Ann Caulkins, senior vice president, Novant Health and president, Novant Health Foundation. “We appreciate Humana’s shared commitment to health equity and its recognition of the importance of meeting social needs in order to build healthier communities.”
For people living in Mecklenburg, Forsyth and New Hanover counties — representing much of Novant Health’s service footprint — additional support, such as emergency food packs and resources for healthy food, will be provided by Second Harvest Food Bank NWNC. Where appropriate, those in need will be linked to Novant Health’s community health workers.
“Humana has a strong and longtime commitment to the state of North Carolina, our members and the communities we serve throughout the state,” said Kathleen Schwarzwalder, Southeast region vice president at Humana. “We are grateful for this latest opportunity to help North Carolinians achieve their best health by providing additional services and resources to communities who need it most.”
Novant Health’s collaboration with Humana is a natural extension of its ongoing work to promote health equity and reduce health care disparities, which has been nationally recognized by organizations such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Novant Health has implemented strategies aimed at removing barriers to health care, closing health equity gaps and improving the overall health and wellness of all its communities, through initiatives including Novant Health’s Community Care Cruisers and its maternal food security program.
For more information, visit NovantHealth.org/HealthEquity.
Other providers are available in the Humana network. Provider may also contract with other plan sponsors.
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