Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) are the everyday things in people’s lives that affect how healthy we are. These include where we were raised, where we live today, where we go to school, work, where we spend our free time, practice our faith, and where we age. Together, these factors and more can affect health outcomes, quality of life, and risk of disease.
Healthy People 2030 groups Social Determinants of Health into five key areas that help explain how social and environmental factors impact health:
- Having enough money and stable employment
- Access to good education
- Access to quality health care
- Safe neighborhoods, housing, and transportation
- Support from family, friends, and the community
What does this mean?
In simple terms, being healthy is about more than going to the doctor. Things like safe housing, reliable transportation, healthy foods, good schools, and strong, supportive relationships all play a major role in keeping people healthy.
Accessing health care can be confusing and stressful. Many people struggle with:
- Understanding health insurance and what is and what isn’t covered
- Knowing which doctor to see and waiting a long time for appointments
- Paying for medications and remembering when to take them
Other challenges include:
- Difficulty understanding medical information or diagnosis
- Language and education barriers
- Appointments that feel rushed or impersonal
Because of this, patients may leave the doctor’s office feeling confused, unsure of what questions to ask, or uncertain about what to do next. That’s why it is important to bring someone with you to help with advocacy, and support. Having another person with you can help reduce stress. A second set of ears can listen to what is being said, help remember important information, and ask clarifying questions on your behalf, if needed.
These challenges are linked to Social Determinants of Health. When people struggle with insurance, finding the right care, affording medications, or understanding their doctor, long wait times, and rushed visits can make getting care even harder.
How healthy is Westford?
Westford is an affluent town with over 24,000 residents. In comparison to the state average, Westford ranks high with strong health and wellness indicators. Westford recently conducted a Community Health Assessment (CHA) and a Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) which shows a higher level of health care access, has lower uninsured rates, high education levels showing 73% having a bachelor’s degree or higher, lower rates of chronic disease among older adults, again comparing with the state average and a strong community and safety supports. Westford continues to focus on continuous improvements in areas such as mental health services and chronic disease support.
When we refer to access to quality health care what we mean is that Westford has many primary care physicians from Mass General Brigham network, Emerson Health, Westford Primary Care, also access to Circle Health urgent care in Westford. Nearby local hospitals like; Tufts Medicine Lowell General Hospital and Emerson Hospital. Lastly, within the physician network residents have access to radiology, ultrasound, mammograms, lab services, and specialists.
Westford has local services that support residents:
- Westford Food Pantry provides free groceries and essentials to Westford residents.
- Westford Health Department offers public health education, disease prevention initiatives, immunizations, and health resources, provides school and senior dental health services, plus safe medication and sharps disposal.
- Community Wellness programs help with local support, for example mental health outreach and substance use resources.
- Westford Coalition for Non-Violence (WCNV) offers educational services on domestic violence. This Coalition’s mission is, “to promote healthy relationships and foster a culture of non-violence for all members of our community.”
- The Cameron Transportation Service offers rides (older adults and people with disabilities) to grocery stores or medical appointments.
- Westford has a town Social Worker that can assist residents with direct support, resources, referrals for residents facing challenges, such as a mental health crisis, fuel assistance, elder care, or financial hardship.
- Westford’s Public Health Nurse manages communicable diseases, runs community vaccination clinics, provides health education, plans for emergency preparedness, and connects residents with resources. In addition, teaches classes, writes educational articles “Ask the Nurse” found on the Westford CAT, and offers blood pressure screenings at the Council on Aging and at the Health Department.
- Veterans Services to serve veterans and their families.
- Westford has 10 faith organizations/religious groups, and many more in the surrounding communities.
- Westford is ranked among the top school districts in Massachusetts from elementary to high school.
- Westford has 24 easy hiking trails around town, multiple playgrounds, beaches, summer camps, a farmer’s market, Apple Blossom, Strawberry Festival, Westford Education Foundation-Westfest, health fairs, Roudenbush Community Center, and Recreation Department, library, skiing, golf, and Kimball Farm.
By offering local services and resources, Westford works to reduce barriers and support a healthier community for all.
If you have any questions or want more information and resources feel free to contact Gail Johnson, Public Health Nurse at gjohnson@westfordma.gov or 978-692-5509
