A
new guide
from the AHA’s Health Research & Educational Trust offers hospitals and
health systems strategic and evidence-based approaches to reducing food
insecurity and its effects in their communities. The inability to afford or
access nutritious and safe food has been associated with increased risk for
chronic disease and mental illness and poor health self-management. The guide
spotlights clinical and non-clinical approaches to reducing food insecurity,
and highlights Eskenazi Health’s partnership with Meals on Wheels. The AHA
resource is the first in a new series on the integral role of hospitals in
addressing socio-economic factors that contribute to health. Future guides will
look at factors such as housing and education.