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Asthma is the most common chronic disease among children, affecting more than 230,000 people under 18 in Ohio. Rates are significantly higher among low-income children because of the role social determinants of health (SDOH) play in its development and management.

Specifically, poor housing conditions increase the chance that a child will be exposed to the kinds of mold, pests and pollution that cause pediatric asthma. Further, decreased access to medical care, money to purchase medications, and other household characteristics make life threatening complications more likely for low-income children. This helps to explain why social information exchange networks (SEINs) offer an exciting opportunity to improve the health of Ohio’s children and families.

SEINs work by connecting people who address a wide range of social determinants of health. They provide professionals across multiple sectors—government, healthcare, social services, and education— access to shared records and information.

If a child is brought to the ER during an asthma attack, the doctor can refer the patient to a pediatrician but also help the family get connected to affordable housing, nutrition information, health insurance, heating assistance, and other services to improve the child’s outcome. The doctor can also monitor the family’s uptake of these referrals, and all this information is then tracked across the system to identify community trends, unmet needs, and system overlaps. This results in better patient care, fewer medical emergencies, and increased efficiency.

In late 2023, Stark County, Ohio (the area including Canton) contracted with the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service to evaluate the potential benefits of establishing an SEIN. Researchers spent six months compiling data and interviewing local stakeholders.

Although the startup cost would be significant (up to $500,000 to establish the SEIN and train local providers in its use), the potential savings were also impressive. Even if only 10% of the target population were served each year, the team estimated that at least $11 of social impact would be generated for every $1 invested. The areas found to have the greatest savings were through improved housing, nutrition, and access to mental health care and substance abuse programs for parents and teens.

“When I shared the Voinovich School’s report with various stakeholders, the results far outweighed my expectations,” says Dr. Anju Mader, the chief integration officer for Stark County. “The ROI is substantial, and the Voinovich team went above and beyond to ensure that what they were proposing met the community's needs.”