At FamilyCare Health, we understand that health outcomes are shaped by far more than access to medical care alone. Social and economic conditions, environmental exposures, community resources, corporate influence, and biological responses to life experiences all play a measurable role in determining health.
These determinants of health form the foundation of health equity. They influence who is more likely to experience preventable illness, who has access to stability and care, and how long people live.
By identifying and addressing these root causes, FamilyCare Health works to build smarter healthcare systems and healthier communities through evidence-based policy, education, and systems-level reform.
Epigenetics explains how genes respond to environmental and social conditions without changing DNA itself, linking factors such as prenatal care, early nutrition, stress, and trauma to lifelong health outcomes.
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Social determinants of health include income, education, housing, and social support, shaping daily conditions that influence health outcomes and contribute to persistent inequities across communities.
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Community conditions affect health through access to safe housing, healthy food, transportation, schools, and local services, with under-resourced neighborhoods facing higher health risks.
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Marketing influences health behaviors by shaping what people eat, buy, and believe about health, disproportionately affecting children, low-income families, and communities of color.
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Corporate medicine shapes health outcomes through healthcare business models, consolidation, and profit-driven care that influence access, affordability, and quality of treatment.
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Our research and policy briefs provide in-depth analysis of Oregon’s healthcare challenges and evidence-based solutions. Download our latest publications to learn more about specific issues and our recommended policy solutions.
We learned valuable lessons running FamilyCare Health Plans for more than 30 years. Our proven track record shows that addressing the social, economic, and behavioral drivers of health improves outcomes while reducing costs. Now, as an independent non-profit, we're committed to sharing these insights and helping transform the healthcare system.
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