FEATURE

How HealthPrize Programs Address the Social Determinants of Health

Social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. They encompass everything from access to healthy food and safe housing to education and social support networks. Find out how HealthPrize enables our pharma and payer clients to address these health determinants.

HealthPrize runs some of the life sciences’ longest running and most successful digital patient support campaigns. These programs use gamification and behavioral economics to drive daily engagement with targeted health education and motivational activities. Through this rhythmic engagement, patients develop the habits and health literacy needed to effectively self-manage their treatment plan and improve their health outcomes.

Members of HealthPrize programs are prompted each day to check-in, and earn points for engaging with health-related educational content and activities. Members can redeem earned points for a selection of digital gift cards, all of which correspond to a specific social determinant of health.

Defining the social determinants of health

Social determinants of health, or SDOH, are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. They encompass everything from access to nutritious food and safe housing to education and social support networks. These societal structures either support or hinder the ability of people to live healthy lives.

Inequalities rooted in social determinants perpetuate cycles of poverty and exclusion, and exacerbate existing disparities based on race, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status. These social determinants have a profoundly negative impact on the overall health of communities, and are linked to increased morbidity, mortality, and reduced quality of life.

In short, SDOH are an inextricable part of the human experience, shaping the way we live and the quality of our lives. To address them is to create a more just and equitable society, one in which everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Why HealthPrize targets the social determinants of health

We believe that focusing on SDOH is not just a moral responsibility, but also an opportunity for brands to strengthen the value propositions they offer their customers. Health outcomes are influenced by a complex web of social, economic, and environmental factors. Investing in initiatives that improve access to education, safe housing, and healthy food, will increase adherence to treatment regimens, resulting in better overall health outcomes and lower healthcare costs.

The HealthPrize Digital Gift Card Catalog

Clients may select up to 10 digital gift cards and/or charity programs to include in their HealthPrize program. All gift cards target one of the following SDOH categories:

Food Insecurity

Providing groceries to those in need is a critical step towards addressing the social determinants of health. Access to healthy food is a fundamental human right; ensuring that all people have access to nutritious meals is essential to promoting health equity. By addressing food insecurity, we can take an important step toward creating a more just and equitable society, where everyone has the opportunity to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.

Transportation

Lack of access to transportation can make it difficult for people to access essential services such as healthcare, employment, and education, leading to poorer health outcomes and limiting opportunities for personal and professional growth. By providing transportation to those in need, we can help to break down the barriers that prevent people from achieving their full potential.

Basic Amenities

Access to basic necessities such as toothpaste, soap, and personal hygiene products is essential to maintaining good health. Providing basic amenities can help improve living conditions, reduce exposure to environmental hazards, and enhance mental health outcomes. Access to cosmetics and beauty supplies can make a significant impact on mental health and self-esteem, can increase employment opportunities, and promote positive self-care, all of which are essential to optimal health.

Education

Literacy and educational attainment are critical factors in determining an individual’s long-term health outcomes, as they impact one’s ability to understand health information and make informed decisions about their health. Reading can also be a source of comfort and connection, giving people the tools they need to cope with stress and overcome adversity.

Safe Housing

Maintaining safe housing requires tools and materials to address safety concerns in people’s homes, such as fixing leaky roofs or installing smoke detectors. Providing people with the resources they need to maintain, repair, and safeguard their homes can have a positive impact on their health, safety, and overall well-being.

Physical Activity and Exercise

Regular physical activity is an essential component of maintaining good health, and having access to comfortable, well-made athletic wear can make exercising easier and more enjoyable. Providing digital gift cards to fitness-focused retailers can enable people to purchase athletic wear that supports their physical activity goals and contributes to their overall well-being.

Pets

Pets offer emotional support, unconditional love, and a sense of purpose to their owners. The therapeutic benefits of interacting with pets are well-documented, as they can help to reduce stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, and promote overall mental well-being. Pets can also help to alleviate social isolation and loneliness, which are known risk factors for poor health outcomes, especially among older adults. Owning a pet can provide a sense of connection and social support, encouraging individuals to engage in physical activity and interact with others.

Wellness

Access to spa resources and experiences such as massages, facials, and aromatherapy can reduce stress and enhance mental well-being by releasing endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. They promote relaxation, which can reduce muscle tension and improve circulation. And they provide opportunities for social interaction and community building, which can enhance social support and improve mental health outcomes.

Charity

The aforementioned companies and organizations are not sponsor of the redemptions or otherwise affiliated with HealthPrize. The logos and other identifying marks attached are trademarks of and owned by each represented company and/or its affiliates. Please visit each company’s website for additional terms and conditions.