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Summer SAVY, Session 4 Day 2, “Social Determinants of Health: How Communities and Policies Impact Well-Being” (7th-8th)

Posted by on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 in blog, SAVY.

Good afternoon, 

We had a great second day of class! We covered a lot of new material today related to the Social Determinants of Health and policy. Our class took time today to explore the intersection of policy, local government, and public health, and how these systems influence the health and well-being of our communities. 

We began the day by reviewing the social determinants of health and creating our own pictures of how they relate. We then moved into discussing policy and some key positions in local government, including mayors and city council members. Students found out who their mayors are and learned about city councils and how they make decisions that directly impact residents’ lives. We discussed how public meetings offer a chance to learn more about what’s happening in our cities and how we can speak up about our ideas and concerns. 

We also spent time thinking critically about how governments can better incorporate the social determinants of health into local policies. Students brainstormed policies that could lead to thriving, healthier communities, and their ideas ranged from improving access to public transportation to affordable housing to increasing green spaces and minimizing food insecurity. 

To wrap up the day, we learned about the CDC’s Policy Process, a framework that helps guide public health efforts at all levels of policy-making. This process helps provide structure for turning public health concerns into actionable policy ideas.  I look forward to working together again tomorrow! 

  

If interested in learning more about what we covered, ask your student: 

  • Who is the mayor of your city? 
  • What is the first step in the CDC’s Policy Process?
    (It’s Problem Identification!) 

 

I look forward to working together again tomorrow! 

  

-Rebecca