Optimal health cannot be achieved without going beyond the health care system itself. Stressors like inadequate housing, unemployment, poor nutrition, and poverty—known as “social determinants of health”—can cause lasting, lifelong effects on physical and emotional well-being. UHF works at the intersection of health care, social service agencies, and communities to promote a comprehensive approach to helping patients and families live long, healthy, and productive lives.

Current initiatives:
Children's Health Initiative
Family Caregiving
Innovation Strategies
Medicaid Institute
Quality Institute

 
Publications
  • July 26, 2022 | Anthony Shih, MD, MPH 
    Changing with the Times

    Anthony Shih, MD, reflects on the successes, challenges, and lessons learned during his tenure as president of United Hospital Fund.

  • April 11, 2022 | Sarah Scaffidi, MSc 
    Opportunities to Improve Infant Health Through WIC

    To improve enrollment in WIC and help alleviate food insecurity, look to outreach models used during the pandemic--and figure out where interventions might yield the biggest effects.

  • March 25, 2022
    A Year of Resolve: UHF's 2021 Annual Report

    The 2021 annual report highlights UHF’s activities during another year of challenge and uncertainty and offers a preview of our goals in the year ahead.