ENGAGING LOCAL POLICYMAKERS
In Social Determinants Of Health
City of South San Francisco - City Council Meeting
Wednesday, January 14th, 2026
Community Health Improvement Plan for San Mateo County
Social Determinants of Health Workgroup
Curtis Chan, MD, MPH
Objectives:
1. Inform key policymakers (of the social determinants of health) about the Community Health Improvement Plan.
2. Receive guidance from key policymakers about:
• What is an effective strategic approach to improve local policies that impact health? • How should we collectively learn about policymaking that impact health? Community Health Improvement Plan - CHIP
Health Agencies Community Based Organizations Governmental Health Plan of San Mateo
Peninsula Health Care District
Ravenswood Family Health Center
San Mateo County Health
Ayundando Latinos A Sonar (ALAS)
Bay Area Community Health Advisory Council
Coastside Hope
El Concilio of San Mateo County
NovaWorks
Peninsula Family Services
Redwood City Together
San Mateo County Pride
Second Harvest of Silicon Valley
Senior Coastsiders
Star Vista
Taulama for Tongans
YMCA
County:
Aging & Adults Services
Behavioral Health & Recovery Services
Family Health Services
Public Health, Policy & Planning
San Mateo Medical Center
Cities:
Redwood City
East Palo Alto
• A "long-term, systematic effort to address public health problems." • Conducted by states & communities throughout U.S.
• Contributors for SMC include individuals from the following organizations:
How do we "advocate for policies that improve the social determinants of health"? The CHIP for San Mateo County 2024-26 develops plans for improving 3 Priority Areas... https://health.gov/healthypeople/priority-areas/social-determinants-health Healthy People 2030 Goal:
“Create social, physical, and economic environments
that promote attaining the full potential for health
and well-being for all.”
"Clinical care drives just 20% of health outcomes
while social determinants like housing, education, and
income account for over 50%. Addressing these root
causes is key to reducing inequities and improving
community health."
www.who.int/teams/social-determinants-of-health/equity-and-health/world-report-on-social-determinants-of-health-equity Social, physical and economic environments affect health EQUITY
www.cityhealthdashboard.com
• What health and social indicators do
you use for SSF?
• How do you use City Health Dashboard
and related resources?
• How do you assess the disparities
within a city?
• Including: health outcomes, social
& economic factors, health
behaviors, physical environment &
clinical care
• What can we improve upon?
Organizations participating on SDoH Workgroup
• Ayudano Latinos A Sonar (ALAS)
• Bay Area Community Health Advisory
Council (BACHAC)
• Belle Haven Action
• Coastside Hope
• El Concilio of San Mateo County
• One East Palo Alto
• Novaworks
• Peninsula Family Services
• Redwood City Together
• San Mateo County Pride
• Second Harvest of Silicon Valley
• Senior Coastsiders
• Star Vista
• Taulama for Tongans
• YMCA
• Health Plan of San Mateo
• Kaiser
• Stanford University
GOVERNMENT
HEALTHCARE &
MANAGED CARE
SERVICE
PROVIDERS /
NON-PROFIT
INDUSTRY &
ACADEMIA
• City of Redwood City
• City of East Palo Alto
• San Mateo County Health
• Peninsula Healthcare District
• Ravenswood Family Health Center
• Redwood City Together
What should be the role of city
councils & councilmembers
in improving the social
determinants of health?
How can Local Policies improve "LIVING CONDITIONS"
that impact disease, infant mortality & life expectancy? https://barhii.org/framework
City Policies with Evidence of Health Impact
www.cityhealth.org
Example of how a city is scored for "Complete Streets"
• Assessments for nation's 75 largest cities
• Policy resources available to all cities
• 12 Policy Areas
•Affordable Housing Trusts
•Complete Streets
•Earned Sick Leave
•Eco-Friendly Purchasing
•Flavored Tobacco Restrictions
•Greenspace
•Healthy Food Purchasing
•Healthy Rental Housing
•High-Quality, Accessible Pre-K
•Legal Support for Renters
•Safer Alcohol Sales
•Smoke-Free Indoor Air
Policy Resources for City Leaders: www.cityhealth.org/resource-center Example of a program in a county with 16 cities
9 policy areas
Discussion with City Council Members
1. How can we further increase your knowledge on the impact of local policies on SDOH and health disparities?
2. What policies are you considering to improve the
public health of SSF?
3. How should health experts support local legislators
in developing policies that improve public health?
Any other advice for the CHIP partners?
Resources to Learn More
National:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Healthy People 2030 City Health: www.cityhealth.org/resource-center
City Health Dashboard
State & Regional:
Let's Get Health California: State Health Improvement Plan Bay Area Regional Health Inequities Framework for SDOH
San Mateo County:
Overview of Community Health Assessment & Improvement Plan Community Health Assessment
Community Health Improvement Plan
SMC All Together Better, including city-specific health data [email protected]
THANK YOU