Ep 58: Housing Choice and Public Health with Craig Pollack, MD
Sep 6, 2023
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Craig Pollack, MD, discusses the relationship between neighborhood poverty and asthma symptoms, the growing role of the medical establishment in housing, and the need for better housing policy to improve public health. They also explore the impact of moving to low poverty neighborhoods on asthma outcomes, and different payment models and Medicaid waivers for housing support.
Housing Choice (Section 8) rent assistance program can significantly reduce children's asthma symptoms and exacerbations by enabling families to move to lower poverty neighborhoods.
Poor access to safe and affordable housing hinders individuals' potential in multiple areas, including their own health, and highlights the opportunity for coordination between healthcare and housing sectors.
Systemic racism contributes to increased risk and exposure among black children with asthma, emphasizing the importance of addressing social determinants of health and considering healthcare systems' role in addressing broader social structures.
Deep dives
Impact of Housing Choice on Children with Asthma
The study discussed in the podcast focuses on the impact of the Housing Choice (Section 8) rent assistance program on children's asthma symptoms. The research shows promising results, indicating that when families use these vouchers to move to lower poverty neighborhoods, children experience significant reductions in their asthma symptoms and exacerbations. The study emphasizes the importance of housing policy in relation to individual and community health, highlighting the connection between housing and public health.
The Relationship Between Housing and Health
The podcast explores the connection between housing and health, pointing out how poor access to safe and affordable housing can hinder individuals from reaching their full potential in various areas, including their own health. It mentions that the healthcare system often focuses on treating symptoms rather than addressing root causes, paralleling the discussion on housing policy. The podcast highlights the opportunity for coordination and effective spending between the healthcare and housing sectors, given their significant impact on the economy.
Racial Disparities and Social Determinants of Health
One key finding discussed in the podcast is the racial disparity in asthma prevalence, with black children having two to three times the prevalence of asthma compared to white children. The study acknowledges that socioeconomic status, access to care, health behaviors, and environmental exposures in both housing and neighborhoods play crucial roles in this disparity. The podcast also emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing systemic racism, which contributes to increased risk and exposure among black children with asthma. The discussion underscores the need to consider social determinants of health and the potential role of healthcare systems in addressing broader social structures.
Significant Reduction in Hospitalizations for Kids Who Received Vouchers to Move
The podcast discussed a study called the Mobility Asthma Project (MAP) which investigated the impact of housing mobility on children's asthma exacerbations and symptoms. The study recruited families participating in the Baltimore Regional Housing Partnership program and followed them for up to 12 months after they moved. The results showed that children whose families received vouchers to move experienced a significant reduction in hospitalizations, specifically related to asthma. This reduction was not observed among adults who moved. The study highlighted the importance of housing mobility programs for improving health outcomes for children.
Challenges and Potential Solutions in Housing Mobility Programs
The podcast also explored the barriers and findings related to housing mobility programs. While the study showed positive outcomes for children who moved to low-poverty neighborhoods, it also acknowledged the challenges faced by families trying to find housing in those areas. The Baltimore Regional Housing Partnership, a key partner in the research, provides counseling and support to help families overcome these obstacles. The discussion also emphasized the need to go beyond a dichotomous approach of assisting families to move or investing in place-based strategies. Instead, there is a call for both approaches to be pursued to address housing inequality and improve health outcomes.
How does the neighborhood you live in affect your health? Craig Pollack, MD, joins to discuss the relationship between neighborhood poverty and asthma symptoms, the medical establishment’s growing role in the housing sector, and how better housing policy can lead to improved public health.
