Health is a fundamental human right, and we are committed to ensuring that everyone has access to the same level of health and quality of life.
Dr. Rachel Levine
Pennsylvania Secretary of Health
Economic and social conditions like stress, employment, housing quality, and access to food have a profound effect on health.
Meeting health needs in Kensington
With funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, NKCDC is partnering with Jefferson University to train and hire Community Health Workers to address health needs in Kensington.
What are Community Health Workers?
Community health workers bridge the gap between health care providers and patients. They advocate for patients and help them navigate the health systems and social support services available in their community. NKCDC workers conduct health screenings and connect residents to health care, healthy food, credit and budget counseling, and other social service resources.
Social determinants of health
NKCDC’s Community Health Worker initative is part of a state-funded Health Enterprise Zone demonstration project, aimed at improving health outcomes across North Philadelphia.
The project addresses the social determinants of health—economic and social conditions that have a profound effect on the health of individuals and communities. These determinants may include:
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“Social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age,” writes the World Health Organization. “These circumstances are shaped by the distribution of money, power and resources at global, national and local levels. The social determinants of health are mostly responsible for health inequities—the unfair and avoidable differences in health status seen within and between countries.”
TALK TO A HEALTH CONNECTOR
Can’t find what you’re looking for?
Contact Lizette Lewis at 215-427-0350 x103 or llewis@nkcdc.org.