Social Determinants of Health

Social determinants of health (SDoH) are the conditions in which people are born, live, work, and age. They are shaped by the social, physical, and economic conditions that surround them. SDoH can drive as much as 60%-80% of health outcomes, and addressing them is necessary to achieve health equity across populations. TACHC works with health centers to develop and implement social needs screening tools. It also provides training and technical assistance around the role of SDoH in a Health Center Controlled Network (HCCN) and in value-based care. In addition, TACHC collects and disseminates best practices among health centers, and leverages group purchasing to expand center access to SDoH collection and referral platforms. For more information, contact  TACHC.

 

Vaccine Initiatives

TACHC supports health centers with resources related to the administration of vaccines and patient education to encourage confidence and reduce hesitancy. Vaccines have helped eradicate diseases and prevent two to three million deaths worldwide each year, but health centers must continue to be the leaders that engage with patients and reach those in need. From routine childhood vaccines to COVID-19 vaccines, TACHC helps health centers to meet the needs of their patients and their communities by reducing the spread of vaccine-preventable illnesses and diseases For more information, contact TACHC.

 

Cancer Prevention

TACHC provides technical assistance and training to support health centers in improving the rates of cancer screening, HPV vaccine uptake, and other prevention and early detection initiatives. TACHC partners with several organizations aligned with these efforts:
• American Cancer Society (ACS), to improve HPV vaccine uptake and reduce six different cancers through this vaccine.
• Taking Texas Tobacco Free (TTTF) to connect health centers with tools and training to bolster tobacco cessation interventions.
• Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) Prevention Advisory Committee to provide guidance from the perspective of underserved populations disproportionately impacted by cancer incidence.
• TACHC also provides technical assistance and training to participating health centers to design and implement Evidence-Based Interventions (EBIs) that support expanded cancer screening rates. EBIs include patient reminders, provider reminders, provider assessment and feedback, removing structural barriers, and patient education. TACHC supports health centers to increase and expand data reporting capabilities to inform quality improvement for cancer screening. For more information, contact TACHC.

 

End the HIV Epidemic (EHE)

The EHE initiative is scaling up four science-based strategies that can end the epidemic: Diagnose, Treat, Prevent, and Respond. For maximum impact, CDC is continuing to invest in communities most affected by HIV — to help local HIV programs recover, rebuild, and begin to expand EHE strategies in the wake of COVID-19. The initiative provides a targeted infusion of new resources and support to 50 local areas that account for more than half of new HIV diagnoses (48 counties; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Washington, D.C.), and seven states with a substantial rural burden. Through increased investments and local innovation, EHE aims to make history — and end the domestic HIV epidemic once and for all. For more information, please contact  TACHC.

 

Addressing Substance Use Disorders (SUD)

Health Center SUD programs utilize a multi-pronged approach to include prevention, treatment, referrals, and recovery services. The complexities of care specific to this population in our communities should be considered during the development of an SUD Program. Weblinks to resources have been provided and validated tools have also been recommended for use. While the components of an SUD Program may be pre-defined, the outreach and collaboration with community resources, as well as defined workflows within the health center, are critical to each unique setting and population. Therefore, these should also be incorporated into the planning, whether for a new program or for growth of an existing program. 

 

Trauma Informed Care (TIC)

By providing primary and preventive care to vulnerable, medically underserved, and uninsured people, health centers uncover many events and conditions that may have resulted from exposure to trauma (i.e. evacuation/displacement due to disasters, immigration, homelessness, active shooter experience, adverse childhood experiences, etc.). In a trauma-informed environment, health centers act as bridges to healing when individuals seek care and attempt to access well-being through medical, dental, behavioral health services, or addressing substance use. Created in 2019, TACHC’s Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) Program is a prevention strategy aimed at creating lasting change for patients, staff, and communities. The Trauma-Informed Care Program offers a universal approach that ensures all patient engagement incorporates fundamental trauma-informed care principles: Safety, Trust, Choice, Collaboration, Empowerment, and Cultural, Historical, and Gender issues. For more information, contact TACHC.