Around Maryland

Part Four of the State of Southwest Baltimore Series will focus on another social driver of health – economic stability.Economic Stability is the ability to consistently meet basic financial needs, which includes having stable employment and sufficient income for baseline needs. Economic insecurity often leads to stress and declined mental health conditions, as well as limited access to health-promoting resources, contributing to poorer health outcomes.

Part Three of the State of Southwest Baltimore Series will focus on an imperative social driver of health – access to healthcare. Healthcare Access is the ability to obtain appropriate, timely, affordable, and convenient healthcare services such as prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases and illnesses. The ability to obtain healthcare is vital in securing the timely treatment of illnesses, management of chronic conditions, and allows for preventative services.

Part Two of the State of Southwest Baltimore Series will focus on another essential social driver of health – transportation. Transportation is defined as the availability and quality of transportation options that enable individuals to travel to work, school, healthcare facilities, and other essential services. Lack of reliable transportation can lead to delayed care for health issues, increased stress, and feelings of isolation, all of which negatively impact health outcomes. Inadequate transportation may also restrict access to community, which can further lead to adverse health outcomes.

Part One of the State of Southwest Baltimore Series will focus on the first social driver of health – nutrition. Nutrition is the access to sufficient, safe, and beneficial food to maintain a healthy and active life. Inadequate nutrition can lead to a range of health issues, including obesity, malnutrition, heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. The leading cause of death in Baltimore is heart disease, which has been linked to poor nutrition.

Thousands of travelers are getting preventative health readings at the airport. LifeBridge Health launched its "Total Health Kiosk" at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport to bring medical resources into the community. The kiosk, which is located in Concourse A between gates A9-11, offers travelers blood-pressure readings among other stats. Since it debuted over the summer, more than 2,700 people have used it.

A surgical program at Frederick Health has been designated a United States Case Observation Site, meaning surgeons from around the U.S. can come to Frederick Health to learn about advanced robotic surgery techniques. Frederick Health's thoracic oncology program received the designation from the robotic-assisted surgery platform manufacturer Intuitive.