Overview
The site aims to show how social determinants shape wellbeing at a population level. With this context, the Dashboard can inform systemic, evidence-based approaches to improving outcomes across our communities. “Wellbeing” in this context refers to our emotional health, including our relationship to substances. For a more holistic view of wellbeing at a population level, the Dashboard also explores the root causes of health outcomes (things like income, education, and housing). These factors, also called social determinants of health, can help predict mental health and substance use disorder outcomes at a community level.
Key Takeaways
- Depending on where you live, people have different access to resources and services, leading to different wellbeing outcomes.
- Even if a community has many opportunities to thrive, not everyone will have the same access to those opportunities.
- Among the areas we studied, metro areas generally fared better than rural places.
- Higher-population areas may have lower local rates of behavioral health issues, but as metro areas, they also have larger total numbers of people needing services. It’s important to consider both local rates of behavioral health issues and the numbers of people these rates represent.
- Improving social determinants of health can lead to better mental health and substance use outcomes. By addressing factors such as education, income, and community support, we can build more resilient and healthier communities across Virginia.