Arthur Kaufman | https://hsc.unm.edu/leadership/hsc-leaders/arthur-kaufman.html
The University of New Mexico (UNM) has announced the introduction of a new online course aimed at addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) and identifying healthcare obstacles. The course was developed in collaboration with local, state, and university authorities, and was made possible with the support of a $180,000 grant from UnitedHealthcare.
Dr. Arthur Kaufman, the Vice President for Community Health at UNM, led the efforts to create the unique curriculum. According to a press release, the course was developed within a little over a year, and the official launch is anticipated to be in early 2024. The plan is to extend the use of the online SDOH training tool to community-based organizations, as well as city, county, and state governments.
The curriculum aims to raise awareness and inspire action in addressing social inequities. It emphasizes that everyone has a responsibility to learn about SDOH and create plans to address determinants in their respective fields, whether it is law, transportation, architecture, planning, or housing. The course consists of six one-hour modules, which include videos, slides, discussion boards, quizzes, journal entries, and resource links.
Dr. Kaufman highlighted the importance of addressing social determinants of health, stating that the consequences of not addressing issues such as access to social needs, transportation, food, and housing are seen in healthcare delivery. He emphasized the need to reach out to partners across the state and not only address these determinants in clinics and hospitals.
Drew Peterson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare Community & State of New Mexico, expressed his support for the curriculum, stating that it is critical for the community to learn about social determinants of health in order to collectively help people live healthier lives. He emphasized the empowerment of individuals across various fields, from healthcare to urban planning, to address social determinants of health and advance health equity in New Mexico.
With the launch of this new course, UNM aims to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools to identify and address healthcare obstacles, ultimately working towards improving health outcomes and promoting health equity in the community.
