Spectrum Foundation was established to fund initiatives that can assist in the achievement of overall community health and wellness goals in the community where our partner, Spectrum Health Services, operates. Its website explains in more detail, but its primary service areas are designated as medically underserved, and typically have a population comprised of a much higher percentage of African Americans than the city and state, often with a higher level of poverty.

Patients in communities served by Spectrum Health Services experience significant health disparities and higher-than-state-average rates of mortality and morbidity. Their areas of the largest health disparities include obesity, diabetes, hypertension, lack of routine screening care, substance abuse disorders, untreated behavioral health issues (e.g., depression, PTSD, anxiety), and lack of oral health care.

Many of these disparities can be lessened or even eliminated by infrastructure changes in the community, which is where the foundation can make a difference. Through clever investments into innovative new initiatives, some of the primary barriers to citizen wellness, such as geographical/transportation issues, the inability to take advantage of education opportunities due to limited funding, the existence of food deserts, and a dearth of places to exercise, can be remedied.

Differences in health are striking in communities with poor social determinants of health (SDOH), including unstable housing, low income, unsafe neighborhoods, or substandard education. By addressing what we know about the health barriers in our population, SDOH, and the unmet needs of our patient population, we can improve individual and population health needs while advancing health equity.