Embedded Files
Social Determinants of Health
The social determinants of health are essentially socio-economic factors that influence the person(s) ability to achieve optimal health. As many socio-economic barriers have been systemically heightened over the last century, particularly for minority groups, the social determinants of health have ultimately created vast disparities in health outcomes. Ultimately the social determinants of health and all of the various factors it encapsulates serve to create differential levels of access that hinder good health outcomes for various populations of people specifically. "Not only are these differences in health an important social injustice, they have also drawn scientific attention to some of the most powerful determinants of health standards in modern societies"(Social Determinants of Health: The Solid Facts.W.H.O.). When it comes to young children and their families in Santa Cruz County, there are many inequalities in the environments surrounding their upbringing that are directly correlated to their health and wellbeing. It is of utmost importance that we are able to create early interventions that address these inequalities at young ages for most optimal outcomes later on. As research has shown, foundations of adult health are laid in early childhood and before birth thus emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues as early as possible in childhood. This early interventional approach utilized by First 5's, will give provide children with more opportunity to achieve optimal health at all stages of life.
Neo-Liberalized Model of Healthcare
No matter which way you look at the way our healthcare system is set up, it is evident just how inadequate it is. Ultimately perpetuating discrimination, racism, economic separation, and increasing health disparities for the most vulnerable populations of people. Neo-Liberalism is essentially a framework of capitalism that was created in the late 1900’s as our (U.S) economic framework that favors privatization, reduction of spending for social services, and corporate deregulation. According to an article written by Ahlbach, King and Dzeng, E. entitled The COVID-19 Pandemic and Ethical Challenges Posed by Neoliberal Healthcare, “In the context of US healthcare, neoliberal policies promote corporate profit through the privatization of systems of healthcare delivery and payment models which transformed a social service into a business". The Neo-Liberalized Model of Healthcare has created this re-structurization of the healthcare-sytstem in which it is now a commodity to purchase, instead of a right. During Field Study, many of the barriers that stem from this structurization of health care became present to me. Within First 5's Vision First program specifically, many young children and families experienced difficulty accessing care that is affordable, within their health insurance plan, and where their primary language is spoken.
Cruz, Santa. “Indicator Gauge Icon Legend.” Santa Cruz :: Indicators :: People Delayed or Had Difficulty Obtaining Care :: County : Santa Cruz, https://www.datasharescc.org/indicators/index/view?indicatorId=344&localeId=281&comparisonId=6635.
How I saw the negative effects of the Neo-Liberalized Model of Healthcare during Field Study:
The VisionFirst program was developed as a way to provide children as young as 6 months with a simple vision screening done at their child care setting. A device called a Spot Vision Screener is used to quickly detect potential vision issues. From there, the child that is deemed “out of range” is then encouraged and assisted in following up with a full vision screening by an Optometrist. Unfortunately within Santa Cruz County, there are very few optometrists who provide eye exams for children 0-5, and there are even fewer who accept Medi-Cal or provide Medi-Cal covered glasses.
"Early interventions, such as vision screenings, help children get the glasses they need to succeed in school and in their social development" (First5scc.org)
Some research conducted on the accessibility to Optometry services for chidlren >5.
Disparities in Early-Education - in relation to Health Outcomes
When it comes to inequalities within the sector of early education, it is important to acknowledge just how much development occurs within the first 5 years of a child's life. The development that occurs at this time will ultimately serve to shape the trajectory of potentially the rest of their life. Education access and quality being one of the social determinants of health, it of utmost importance to create as much equity as possible. According to a book entitled Social Determinants of Health: an interdisciplinary approach to social inequality and well-being “Children enter the education system from very unequal backgrounds, have very unequal experiences within the system and leave with very unequal outcomes”(Bonner, 2018). If we are able to provide more equitable systems for our youngest populations, we will ultimately be able to level-the-playing field and give these children ample opportunities to thrive and succeed in their educational endeavors, but also in life. At First 5 SCC they understand the importance of these early experiences in relation to health and wellbeing. First 5 SCC is working to overcome these inequalities by improving access to affordable, quality early care and education, increasing early learning and school readiness skills (developmental, cognitive and socio-emotional) and increasing stability and sustainability of the early care and education system.
"90% of our brain develops by age 5, and a whole world of opportunity opens up to children afterward. That's why I've always been a passionate advocate for young children. We all have shared responsibility and shared reward when our children thrive" - Rob Reiner, Advocate For Children Prenatal to Age 5, First 5 California's Chairman from 1999-2006.
Analysis:
Through the early interventions and preventative care that First 5 SCC (and other partner organizations) utilize, they are creating more opportunities for young children and their families to be healthy and obtain wellness. They are working to improve coordination across systems of care to increase access for young children to the health services they need, evident through their Vision First and Baby Gateway programs. Primarily targeted towards the LatinX population in Santa Cruz County. The Vision First program has provided thousands of vision screenings for children as young as 6mo in their childcare settings. Through the Baby Gateway Program, First 5 SCC is helping increase access to affordable quality healthcare for newborns, and and improving overall maternal, child, and infant health. It is through the Early Learning Foundation programs, that they are specifically targeting areas of improvement for educational disparities, whilst providing supports for families, early care educators and family childcare providers. By focussing on preventative and early interventions, First 5 SCC is bridging the gaps in the socio-political inequalities that revolve around young children and their families within Santa Cruz County. Ultimately working towards achieving more equitable health and better health outcomes for the most vulnerable families.
Page updated
Report abuse