Understanding Healthcare

Social Drivers of Health: Resource List

Choose a preferred language

Many patients need access to community resources. This list can help you know where to refer them for assistance.

Housing

  • Local shelters

  • Local housing authority

Food

  • Local food bank or pantry

  • Meals on Wheels

  • Salvation Army

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

  • Women, Infants, Children (WIC)

Transportation

  • Council on Aging

  • Local public transportation

  • Health system transportation assistance

  • Health insurance transportation assistance

Finances

  • Utility company assistance program

  • Rental assistance program

  • Salvation Army emergency financial assistance

  • Local township trustee

  • Supplemental Security Income

Medical care/insurance

  • Medicare or Medicaid

  • Extra Help or Qualified Medicare Beneficiary

  • Health system insurance navigator

  • Health system financial assistance

Child care

  • Head Start

  • Faith-based childcare services

  • State child-care assistance

  • Employer or school-based child-care assistance

Exercise classes

  • Local library

  • Local YMCA or JCC

  • Local community center or senior center

  • Local parks and recreation department

  • Local faith-based organization

Date Last Reviewed: 03/01/2023

© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

Find a Provider

View Our Directory

Find a Location

View Our Practices
Related Articles
Read article
Wellness
Protect Yourself Against Medical Errors

Every year, thousands of Americans die because of medical errors. Such errors can occur anywhere in the health care system and can involve medicines, surgery, diagnosis, equipment and lab reports.

Read article
Wellness
The Value of a Second Opinion

If your provider suggests non-emergency surgery or a major medical test, it can be worthwhile to get a second opinion. Here are some tips on how to do this.

Read article
Wellness
Understanding Types of Health Care Facilities

Getting quality health care doesn’t always mean going into the hospital or emergency room. Depending on your needs, other medical facilities may serve you just as well—or even better.

Read article
Wellness
Use Your Medicines Wisely

Although most medicines are safe when you take them the right way, some of them can cause dizziness, loss of consciousness, bleeding, irregular heartbeats, and other side effects in some cases.