Greater Cleveland has some of the best health care institutions in the world. Yet it also has some of the worst health outcomes across its population.  Across two local ZIP codes, just five miles apart, residents have a 23-year difference in their life expectancy. How can such troubling differences in health and well-being be happening here, in one of North America’s meccas of medical care?

It’s because of a simple reality: While quality medical care is essential, it’s not nearly enough.

Experts believe that roughly 80% of a person’s health depends on factors beyond medical care:  where you live, what’s going on around you, your socioeconomic status, your education level, your habits. These factors are often called the “social determinants of health.” They include access to:  

80% of a person’s health depends on factors beyond medical care, including: Safe, stable housing. Healthy, nutritious food. Reliable transportation. Education and training. Job opportunities. 

These factors disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of our community. Greater Cleveland’s overall health – the fabric of our community, our quality of life, culture, economy, our future – depends on the health of our residents. We have a personal and collective responsibility to address these disparities and improve health outcomes for all of us.  

Improving the health of the community is the core of MetroHealth’s mission. Part of that means continuing to deliver excellent medical care across the continuum of care – primary care, specialty medical and surgical care, hospital care and, when needed, life-saving interventions – all empowered by the latest technology and enhanced by our expertise in population health, managed care and quality improvement.

But we must also expand the reach of our care. We need to see the full picture of our patients and their lives, beyond our walls, so we can identify and help eliminate potential barriers to their health and well-being. We must find and fix the root causes of health disparities in our region. 

That’s why MetroHealth's Population Health Innovation Institute created and launched the Institute for H.O.P.E.™, to help improve health through opportunity, partnership and empowerment.

Questionnaire: Social Drivers of Health  |  Cuestionario: Factores sociales de la salud

See a list of suggested social service resources in Cuyahoga County