Understanding Healthcare

Social Drivers of Health: Resource List

Choose a preferred language

Many patients need access to community resources. This list can help you know where to refer them for assistance.

Housing

  • Local shelters

  • Local housing authority

Food

  • Local food bank or pantry

  • Meals on Wheels

  • Salvation Army

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

  • Women, Infants, Children (WIC)

Transportation

  • Council on Aging

  • Local public transportation

  • Health system transportation assistance

  • Health insurance transportation assistance

Finances

  • Utility company assistance program

  • Rental assistance program

  • Salvation Army emergency financial assistance

  • Local township trustee

  • Supplemental Security Income

Medical care/insurance

  • Medicare or Medicaid

  • Extra Help or Qualified Medicare Beneficiary

  • Health system insurance navigator

  • Health system financial assistance

Child care

  • Head Start

  • Faith-based childcare services

  • State child-care assistance

  • Employer or school-based child-care assistance

Exercise classes

  • Local library

  • Local YMCA or JCC

  • Local community center or senior center

  • Local parks and recreation department

  • Local faith-based organization

Date Last Reviewed: 03/01/2023

© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

Related Articles
Read article
Wellness
Be Involved in Your Health Care: Taking Medicines

When medicines are taken as directed, they can greatly improve your health. But if they are not taken as instructed, they may not work. To help make sure that your treatment remains effective and safe, understand your medicines and how to take them.

Read article
Wellness
Maintaining Your Personal Health Record

A personal health record can help reduce or eliminate duplicate tests and allow you to get faster, safer treatment and care in an emergency. It also can help you play a more active role in your health care. Read on to learn more about creating one.

Read article
Wellness
Advance Medical Directive

An advance medical directive is a form that lets you plan ahead for the care you’d want if you could no longer express your wishes. This statement outlines the medical treatment you’d want or names the person you’d wish to make healthcare decisions for you. Be aware that laws vary from state to state, and it may be worthwhile to talk with an attorney.

Read article
Wellness
Communicating with Others About Your Health

Only you can decide whether to tell others about your condition. You may feel that your health is a private matter. Maybe you have a hard time deciding who to tell and how much to say. Or, you might find that talking makes you feel better. The choice is yours.