Preventive Health Initiative

Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)
CIS was founded in 2005 on the premise that Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) reflect social factors and the physical conditions in the environment in which people are born, live, learn, play, work and age.

Fundamental to this premise, and with a mission to impact public health in a positive manner, CIS used the Community Guide’s Model for Linking the Social Environment to Health (see enclosed).  Per the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) HealthyPeople.Gov Website, SDOH impact a wide range of health, functioning and quality-of-life outcomes.
http://healthypeople.gov/2020/about/DOHAbout.aspx 

Examples of how CIS contributes positively to social determinants of health:

• Availability of resources to meet daily needs, such as educational opportunities and healthy foods
• Social norms and attitudes, such as promotion of diversity and reduction of discrimination and ageism
• Center located in an otherwise healthy neighborhood; participants have minimal exposure to crime, violence, and social disorder
• Program participants receive social support and social interactions throughout the day at our Center though a variety of social programs and activities   
• Exposure to mass media and emerging technologies, such as learning to use the Internet and social media in our Computer Learning Center
• Reducing impoverished conditions by providing daily nutrition (breakfast and hot lunch) and food security (monthly food bank distribution)
• Transportation  – CIS provides rides several times a week to do grocery shopping and to doctor’s appointments

CIS Health Services Impact

Per the Health and Human Services (HHS) HealthyPeople.Gov Website, Barriers to accessing health services include: Both access to health services and the quality of health services can impact health. CIS, in partnership with SCAN Health Plan and Medical Groups directly address access to quality health services.  Lack of access, or limited access, to health services greatly impacts an individual’s health status. For example, when individuals do not have health insurance, they are less likely to participate in preventive care and are more likely to delay medical treatment.

• Lack of availability
• High cost
• Lack of insurance coverage
• Limited language access

These barriers to accessing health services lead to:

• Unmet health needs
• Delays in receiving appropriate care
• Inability to get preventive services
• Hospitalizations that could have been prevented

CIS networks with a variety of health organizations and local non-profits to overcome these barriers for dual-eligible (Medi/Medi) seniors. CIS provides constant community outreach in the San Fernando Valley to seek out seniors who qualify for our preventive health services. We educate seniors and their families and assist them with systems navigation to access the preventive and clinical health services available to them.

CIS Preventive Health Impact
CIS provides a comprehensive, socially-integrated preventive health program for high-need seniors with aging challenges including early stage memory loss, and adults with developmental disabilities including Autism.  Preventive Health program components include an Open Senior Nutrition program (breakfast and hot lunch) partially funded by the City of Los Angeles Department of Aging. CIS assists with food security as a host site for monthly food distribution via the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. Fitness program includes machine-based circuit training, aerobic chair dance, community walks and Zumba classes. CIS partners with health care organizations including SCAN Health Plan, the Alzheimer's Association, Partners in Care Foundation, and Facey Medical Foundation to provide health education and health screenings. CIS partners with North Valley Pharmacy for weekly medication delivery and membership assistance with pill boxes to reduce medication errors.  CIS provides Medical Assistance and Care Coordination services; these staff assist members with navigating the complex clinical/medical service system, arranging doctors' appointments and transportation to appointments.  CIS, via a grant from the Verizon Foundation, provides a scientifically proven Posit Science Brain Fitness program in our Computer Learning Center to assist members to sustain and improve memory.