Sharon L.R. Kardia
Associate Dean for Education, the Millicent W. Higgins Collegiate Professor of Epidemiology, School of Public Health; Director, Public Health Genetics Program and Director, Life Sciences and Society Program
Health
Poverty and health are closely intertwined. Families and individuals with low-incomes often experience barriers to affordable health care, healthy food, and other necessities. In turn, poor health can often lead to economic stress, including a loss of income, increased healthcare costs, and mental health challenges.
Health is also determined in part by access to social and economic opportunities. This includes resources and supports available in our homes, neighborhoods, and communities; access to quality education; workplace safety; clean water, food, and air; and social interactions and relationships.
The conditions in which we live often determine the degree of our health and well-being. Research shows that safe and affordable housing, access to education, public safety, availability of healthy foods, health services, and clean environments all play critical roles in the health and well-being of families and individuals. Systemic racism has historically denied people of color equitable access to healthy living conditions. On a personal level, racism contributes to chronic stress experienced by people of color, which can lead to adverse health outcomes.
Poverty Solutions and our affiliated scholars and partners work to reduce health disparities related to poverty and health equity. We support both small scale interventions and systems change projects to promote positive outcomes for both social and physical determinants of health and a higher quality-of-life.
