Racheal
Economic Stability
Volunteering, Fundraising, and a Heart for Change: Rachel on Making a Difference in Communities
In this heartwarming episode of "K. Elizabeth Toasts," host K. Elizabeth toasts Racheal, a South Carolina resident whose life has been dedicated to volunteerism. Rachel shares her inspiring journey from her early days as a candy striper in Oklahoma to her profound experiences at Clare House following her mother's passing, and her own battle with breast cancer leading her to discover the healing community of Casting for Recovery and ultimately to fundraise so that others could have similar opportunities. Throughout the episode, Rachel's stories shine a light on the impact of volunteering on the Social Determinants of Health, and particularly economic stability, and the transformative power of giving back to improve health outcomes. Whether you're looking for a dopamine hit or simply love heartwarming stories, Rachel's dedication to making a difference and finding peace through service to others is sure to inspire.
Healthy People 2030 is the fifth iterative of a 40+ year initiative to help communities, organizations, and individuals improve American’s health and well-being. One of the key goals of Healthy People 2030 is to highlight the importance of the 5 Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) in increasing equity and reducing disparities in health; one of the five goals of Healthy People 2030 is directly related to the SDoH to “create social, physical, and economic environments that promote attaining the full potential for health and well-being for all” (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services).
The SDoH are the non-medical factors and environmental conditions where people are born, live, learn, work, play, and age. The SDoH influence up to 55% of our health outcomes including a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes and risks.
One of the five SDoH is economic stability; 1 in 10 people in the United States live in poverty, making it difficult, if not impossible to afford nutritious food, health care, and housing. Having a stable job can reduce poverty and increase health, but it can be difficult to locate and retain employment with a livable wage. This is particularly true for people with disabilities, injuries, or medical conditions such as arthritis, who may be restricted in their ability to work. Further, many people hold steady jobs and still struggle to afford the necessary essentials to be and stay healthy. Interventions to increase economic stability can help address short and long term health concerns.
Now it's your turn. Honor someone who has made your life better by recommending them as a guest. Or by recording a toast on the home page. To positively impact my life and to keep us going, tap the follow button, rate us right us using the star button, and share this episode with someone who could use some good news. Then go toast up some bread because every positive action is worth toasting.
Episode Resources:
Record a Toast to honor someone who has increased your quality of life
ClareHouse – providing care for dying people in need
Project Host - using food as a tool to nourish the hungry and train the unemployed
Casting for Recovery – free fly fishing retreats for women with breast cancer
I am my Sister’s Bra - support for uninsured and underserved breast cancer patients
Shepards GateWorld Health Organization’s Overview of the SDoH
US Department of Health and Human Services’ Healthy People 2030: SDoH
Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Social Determinants of Health