Linking social determinants to health outcomes at the local level

The Santa Clara County Health Equity Data Project is a collaborative project being co-led by the Santa Clara County Public Health Department and The Health Trust (a local charitable foundation). The goals of the project are (1) to create and sustain focus on health disparities in Santa Clara County by identifying, analyzing, reviewing and communicating health, morbidity and mortality data in the context of social determinants of health; and, (2) to produce tools on health and social equity that assist communities in using local data to prioritize resources, develop and promote advocacy and policy, and establish programs to reduce health disparities and promote health equity. Specific methods for the project include (1) establishing criteria to identify and prioritize social and economic indicators; (2) applying the criteria to select at least five social and economic variables and associated indicators and data sources; (3) accessing public and proprietary databases; (4) analyzing data using regression and other statistical analysis, GIS mapping, and other analytical techniques; and, (5) enlisting necessary partners to supply the prioritized social and economic data, assist with accessing and using the data, and providing interpretation for the results. At a minimum, the following social determinants will be addressed in the project: income and employment, race and ethnicity, education, immigration, housing, and neighborhood conditions. The final report will be completed in October 2010, and will used by the project partners to set strategic direction and funding priorities for programs and advocacy.