Social Determinants of Health in Indiana: How They Affect Us All

Shamika Anderson is an emerging leader in Indiana, known for her problem-solving skills. She holds an MBA degree and a CSSBB certification. In addition to her professional achievements, Shamika is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness. She is a devoted wife and mother of five children, and her strong faith belief system is an essential part of her life. Shamika also volunteers her time to serve her community through various non-profit board appointments.

In our Healthcare class, I learned that Indiana has taken remarkable steps to become a leader in health, encompassing both mental and physical health. It is not just about providing quality medical resources and medications but also about educating people on proper nutrition to improve physical health.
I had the opportunity to hear from the State's commissioner of Health, Dr. Lindsay Weaver, who discussed and explained in detail the ways in which she is responsible for improving and monitoring the different aspects of health within Indiana. It was clear to me that Indiana is making steady progress towards being the "Healthiest State in the Country". Moreover, we also witnessed a panel discussion in which several women leaders from various non-profit organizations shared their experiences.

I was not aware that there are factors other than medical care that influence health outcomes, known as social determinants of health (SDH). They refer to the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age, and all the forces and systems that shape the conditions of daily life. These forces and systems include economic policies, development agendas, social norms, social policies, and political systems, and they have a significant impact on our health. According to the World Health Organization, research has shown that SDH can be more important than health care or lifestyle choices in influencing health. In fact, studies suggest that SDH accounts for between 30-55% of health outcomes, and the contribution of sectors outside of health to population health outcomes exceeds the contribution from the health sector. It is, therefore, crucial to address SDH appropriately to improve health and reduce longstanding inequities in health, which requires action by all sectors and civil society.  SDH Article

Being an MDLF Fellow means that you are a rising leader in your community, with a passion for driving change. This involves identifying areas of opportunity and making improvements, as well as having the courage to advocate for the removal of policies that hinder progress. MDLF is an incredibly rewarding experience. Being selected as an MDLF Fellow is a unique opportunity to learn and grow as an individual, and to discover the changes you want to make in your life. By being in the presence of our state's best leaders, you will feel empowered to achieve your greatest potential. MDLF has helped me to understand who I am as a resident of Indiana, and I have intentionally formed meaningful relationships that have made me a stronger individual.

During this cohort program, I had the wonderful opportunity to connect and interact with my peers. I also received valuable guidance from two amazing women leaders in the community, Lauren James and Kelsey Cook. Their attention to detail organizational skills and community impact are noteworthy and had a great impact on us fellows, making this experience truly worthwhile. I had the privilege of meeting several prominent leaders in the state and was able to share stories about our community that left a lasting impact. It's incredible to think that a decade ago, I would never have imagined the possibility of meeting and connecting with someone as remarkable as Mitch Daniels.

Class VI Fellows at Hancock Wellness Center