Using the Social Determinants of Health to Promote Equity in Health Education

While it’s tempting to believe that individuals are fully in control of their health through the choices they make, research shows that many health outcomes are shaped by factors beyond personal control. The Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), as defined by Healthy People 2030, play a powerful role in overall student wellness -- shifting the focus from individual choice to broader community, environmental, and social factors. This session will equip educators with strategies to integrate the SDOH into middle and high school health education as a means of promoting equity. Participants will explore lesson plans, discussion activities, and project ideas that align with National Health Education Standard 2: Analyze the influence of family, peers, culture, media, technology, and other factors on health behaviors.