Trinity Health President and CEO Mike Slubowski Discusses the Impact of Safe, Affordable Housing on Health Outcomes

As COVID-19 has shown, it is more important than ever to address social influencers that impact health. But what does that mean? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines social influencers (also called social determinants) of health as conditions in the places where people live, learn, work, and play that affect a wide range of health risks and outcomes including access to safe housing.




Housing instability increases health care utilization and costs. Unstable housing among families with children will cost the United States $111 billion in avoidable health and education expenditures over the next 10 years. By providing access to affordable housing, we can decrease Medicaid expenditures, decrease emergency department visits and increase primary care utilization.




Trinity Health is committed to safe, affordable housing as a foundation for healthy, vibrant communities and inclusive growth. We are working in partnership with stakeholders to advance Trinity Health's affordable housing policy recommendations including passing the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act and increasing funding for the HOME program.




These priorities cannot wait. We advocate for more action to support affordable housing at the local and state levels as well.