Changing Health by Changing the Community

In an op-ed for the Richmond Times-Dispatch, LISC CEO Maurice A. Jones and Howard Kern, president and CEO of Sentara Healthcare, describe how their new $100 million investment will take aim at the social determinants of health in Virginia.

Sentara and Optima are embarking on a new partnership to address social determinants of health through a a $100 million investment. The investment aims to have a lasting impact on health outcomes for people in communities served by Sentara Healthcare and Optima Health across Virginia.

Sentara and Optima are contributing $50 million, and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) has committed to assemble an additional $50 million from public and private sources

The authors believe that investing in housing, job training and placement, education and transportation are key to closing the life expectancy gap and creating a strong economy.

The authors advise that now is the time for corporations, nonprofits and charities to play leadership roles in making those investments a reality. They assert that the initiative serves as a catalyst to inspire other organizations that are committed to building stronger, healthier communities.

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