Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) are non-medical factors that affect a person's health outcomes. These include factors such as economic stability, access to quality education, housing, transportation, and access to healthy food. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines SDoH as the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age, and how these conditions can impact their health.
Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a popular theory in psychology that categorizes human needs into five levels. According to the theory, the most basic needs such as physiological needs (food, water, shelter) must be met before higher-level needs such as safety, belongingness, esteem, and self-actualization can be achieved. SDoH are closely tied to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, as they impact a person's ability to fulfill their basic needs and progress towards higher-level needs.
Gift cards are an excellent tool for improving SDoH as they provide recipients with the ability to purchase goods and services that are essential to their wellbeing. Compared to cash, gift cards are more targeted and allow for more control over how the funds are spent. Additionally, gift cards can be restricted to specific merchants or product categories, ensuring that recipients use them to meet their basic needs.
Here are ten ways gift cards can improve SDoH:
- Food security: Gift cards for restaurants, grocery stores and food delivery services can help ensure that individuals and families have access to nutritious food.
Example gift card brands: Go Eat, Subway®, Walmart, Instacart, Uber Eats® - Housing stability: Gift cards for home improvement stores can help individuals and families maintain stable and safe housing.
Example gift card brands: Home Depot®, Lowe's®, HomeGoods - Healthcare access: Gift cards for medical expenses, pharmacy purchases, or transportation to medical appointments can help individuals access necessary healthcare services.
Example gift card brands: CVS Pharmacy® , Walgreens, Albertsons - Transportation access: Gift cards for public transportation or ride-sharing services can help individuals access education, work, and other essential services.
Example gift card brands: AutoZone®, Uber, Amtrak - Education access: Gift cards for educational expenses such as textbooks, technology, or tuition can help individuals access educational opportunities.
Example gift card brands: Amazon, Barnes & Noble - Job training and career development: Gift cards for vocational training, certification programs, or interview clothing can help individuals advance in their careers.
Example gift card brands: Kohl's, Macy's, Burlington - Childcare support: Gift cards for children's clothing and supplies can help parents maintain work and education commitments.
Example gift card brands: Target, Old Navy, Go Shop - Mental health support: Gift cards for therapy services, meditation apps, or self-care products can help individuals prioritize their mental health.
Example gift card brands: Apple, Google Play, Amazon - Financial security: Gift cards for bill payments or financial counseling services can help individuals achieve financial stability.
Example gift card brands: Visa® Reward Card - Community engagement: Gift cards for community events and communication services can help individuals engage with their communities and build social connections.
Example gift card brands: Go Enjoy, Engage2Reward™ Choice Card, AT&T, Verizon
By providing gift cards as a targeted solution to meet specific needs, organizations can improve the health outcomes of individuals and families in their communities. Gift cards are flexible, cost-effective, and can be easily integrated into existing social service programs.
GiftCard Partners is committed to making a positive impact in the world by addressing SDoH through the use of gift cards. We understand the significance of SDoH in influencing health outcomes and believe that gift cards can play a vital role in improving access to food, transportation, and other basic necessities.
As a proud sponsor of the RISE Summit on SDoH, we invite everyone to join us in the effort to create a healthier and more equitable world for all. Together, we can make a meaningful difference and improve the lives of those in need. We hope to see you at the summit to learn more about how gift cards can be used to address SDoH and promote better health outcomes.
