For a relatively small place, Rhode Island has a remarkable diversity of social and economic factors that determine and have an impact on health outcomes. To help create awareness of what those outcomes mean for our state, BCBSRI—in partnership with the Brown University School of Public Health (Brown)—have created the RI Life Index, a report summarizing Rhode Islanders’ perceptions about their own health and well-being, as well as that of the community overall.

This initiative and report is a first-of-its-kind window into the state’s strengths as well as the significant challenges many Rhode Island residents face each and every day. The RI Life Index was unveiled at a public launch event on October 23. Bess Marcus, Ph.D., dean of the Brown School of Public Health, and Melissa Clark, Ph.D, professor of health service, policy and practice, and director of the Survey Research Center at the School of Public Health, presented the Index and discussed their research used to compile the report. The event also featured a panel discussion with local community and health industry leaders about social determinants of health, which I had the pleasure of moderating.

The panel, which featured participants from many different segments of the local healthcare community, shed light on topics including health equity, addressing critical community needs, and ensuring that together we create fair opportunities for all Rhode Islanders to lead healthier, more productive lives and fulfill their potential. The discussion reinforced the premise that ZIP code matters more than genetic code, and took a close look at how the compiled data in the report can be used most effectively. It also touched on how the healthcare provider community can address social determinants of health in their interactions with patients.

In April and May 2019, roughly 2,200 Rhode Islanders – a representative sampling that reflected the state’s demographics – agreed to be interviewed by telephone or online about social determinants of health. Specific topics about health of older adults and children, social integration, healthcare access in our state, the opioid epidemic, access to mental health and substance use treatment, healthcare discrimination, and emergency room use were also part of the survey.

The collected data were then scored on a 100-point scale and compiled into a comprehensive report. Geography, age, and income were also factored into the scores. What we found was that:

• Rhode Islanders have positive feelings about several aspects of their communities, including access to safe and reliable transportation; access to affordable, nutritious food; availability and quality of civic, social, and healthcare services for older adults and the ability to age in place; and available programs and services for children.
• In contrast, respondents—especially those living in the state’s core cities—had lower perceptions of the availability of quality affordable housing, job opportunities, and job training programs. Many told us that they face a struggle to find affordable housing and jobs that pay well enough to ensure financial stability.

Read the full report to learn more. We look forward to partnering closely with our participating providers to better understand how together we can positively impact our state’s health outcomes.