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We’re Offering Programs to Help Address Social Determinants of Health

Posted June 1, 2021

Community members who live, learn, work, worship and play near the Blue Door Neighborhood CenterSM (BDNCSM) locations may not be able to reach their full health potential due to social determinants of health (SDOH) – conditions in the environment that affect a wide range of health, functioning and quality-of-life outcomes and risks.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) wants to help address SDoH, so we host monthly programming at our BDNC locations, including:

  • Navigating local food resources (food insecurity)
  • Navigating local COVID-19 vaccine resources (health care access)
  • Job club (economic stability)
  • Low-impact physical activity (health care access)

As with all BDNC programming at BDNC, events and classes are free and open to BCBSIL members and non-members.

In June, we’re also hosting outdoor events that will include free fresh produce and protein boxes, fun activities for the entire family, low-impact fitness classes and summer treats. Our popular Ask A Doc session will focus on best practices and tips for men’s health including financial wellness, heart health and coping with stress.* And, participants will hear from our community partners in June on how to promote respect and equality for LGBTQ individuals.

Spread the word! Dr. Obari Adeye Cartman  will make an appearance at BDNC from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, for an upbeat conversation about the intersection of hip hop and spiritual health. Dr. Cartman is the president of the Chicago Association of Black Psychologists and curator of a directory of Black mental health providers as well as a professor of psychology and inner-city studies.

From 11 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 17, 2021, we’ll provide information about where to get the COVID-19 vaccination and other local resources in the community.

In recognition of Men’s Health Month, join us from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, June 24, 2021, for an interactive virtual men’s health conference, which will showcase a distinguished panel of men’s health experts and advocates, discussing topics around men’s nutrition, fitness, behavioral health, employment and economic development, and highlighting resources available to support and improve the quality of life of men everywhere.

These are just a few of the programs we’ll offer at our BDNC sites throughout June. Encourage your patients to check the calendars at BDNC at Morgan Park, BDNC at Pullman and BDNC at South Lawndale for details and information on how to register. They can also visit the BDNC Facebook page  for other events and happenings at all three locations. If you or your patients have questions, email the BDNC or call 773-253-0900.

*BDNC does not provide medical care.

The above material is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the independent medical judgment of a physician or other health care provider. Physicians and other health care providers are encouraged to use their own medical judgment based upon all available information and the condition of the patient in determining the appropriate course of treatment. References to third party sources or organizations are not a representation, warranty or endorsement of such organizations. Any questions regarding those organizations should be addressed to them directly. The fact that a service or treatment is described in this material is not a guarantee that the service or treatment is a covered benefit and members should refer to their certificate of coverage for more details, including benefits, limitations and exclusions. Regardless of benefits, the final decision about any service or treatment is between the member and their health care provider.