Knowing Where to Look: A Guide to Finding Help in Our Community
by Kelly Reed, CFC Clinical Social Work Intern
At the Clearwater Free Clinic, we’re proud to build healthy communities by delivering comprehensive medical care to uninsured families through volunteerism and community partnerships. At the same time, we know that health doesn’t begin and end in the exam room.
Social determinants of health are the conditions in the places where people live, learn, work, and play that affect their health, such as education, employment, income, and social support (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, n.d.). Research shows that these social and economic factors play a major role in how long and how well people live (Hood et al., 2016).
Other examples of social determinants of health include things like:
· A safe, stable place to live
· Reliable transportation
· Access to affordable, healthy food
Many of our patients are juggling one or more of these challenges at the same time. That can make it harder to adhere to prescribed medications, make it to a follow-up appointment, or focus on effectively managing chronic diseases. Comprehensive medical care is our mission, and we know it works best when patients have the everyday support they need to stay healthy.
Where to Start: FindHelp.org
That’s where findhelp.org comes in. FindHelp is a free online tool that anyone can use to find local, free or low-cost resources – either for themselves or for someone they care about.
Here’s how to use it:
1. Go to findhelp.org and enter your ZIP code
2. Search by need including food, housing, transit, work, education, and more
3. Browse local programs and check their eligibility requirements
Contact the programs directly to ask about services or apply.
Prefer to Talk to Someone? Dial 211
If searching online isn't your thing, or you're not sure what kind of help you need, call 211. It's free and confidential, and a trained specialist can help you figure out your options and connect you with local services.
If You Need Help Right Away
If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. In an emergency, call 911.
You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone
Asking for help is a skill, not a weakness. Everyone needs support at some point, and our community has many people and organizations ready to help. Whether it's a doctor's visit, a bag of groceries, or a ride to an appointment, taking care of your needs is part of taking care of your health.
References
Hood, C. M., Gennuso, K. P., Swain, G. R., & Catlin, B. B. (2016). County Health Rankings: Relationships between determinant factors and health outcomes. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 50(2), 129–135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2015.08.024
Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (n.d.). Social determinants of health. Healthy People 2030, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved [month day, year], from https://odphp.health.gov/healthypeople/priority-areas/social-determinants-health