What are “social determinants of health”?
Conditions like housing, food, income, transportation, and safety that shape health outcomes.
At HEED, we recognize that health is shaped not only by individual choices but by the conditions in which people live, work, and raise their families. For mothers in recovery from substance use, access to stable housing, reliable transportation, healthcare, education, and economic opportunity plays a critical role in both recovery and readiness for pregnancy.
Social determinants of health directly influence a mother’s ability to engage in care, maintain stability, and build a healthy future for herself and her children. When basic needs are unmet or systems are difficult to navigate, these barriers can create additional stress and disrupt access to essential services.
Through our work across the SouthCoast and Rhode Island, we see that mothers are often navigating multiple systems at once, including healthcare, behavioral health, recovery services, housing, and social supports. When these systems are fragmented, it places an additional burden on families. When they are aligned and accessible, they create pathways to stability, healing, and opportunity.
This section of the Birth to Five Resource Guide connects mothers to resources and services that address social needs and improve access across systems. This includes supports related to housing, food security, healthcare access, childcare, transportation, and economic stability.
Grounded in the science of early development and The Basics, we understand that reducing stress and increasing stability in a caregiver’s environment are critical to early brain development. By addressing social determinants and improving access to systems, we are creating the conditions for healthier pregnancies, stronger families, and more equitable outcomes for children.
Because every child deserves a strong start.
Conditions like housing, food, income, transportation, and safety that shape health outcomes.
Because unmet needs raise risks for complications and affect child development.
The goal is to connect you to support; you can ask how information is used and who sees it.
Call 211 for connections to food, housing, childcare, and more.
Yes—WIC often includes nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support, and referrals.
Ask your clinic about telehealth, bus vouchers, or medical transportation options.
Through bias, unequal treatment, and system barriers that contribute to disparities.
Care that is dignity-centered, bias-aware, and responsive to patient needs and rights.
AAP’s HealthyChildren.org is designed for families.
Ask about care coordination and community resources for non-medical needs (food/housing/stress supports).
Please enter your ZIP code:
We welcome your feedback. If you have suggestions, resources, or updates to share, please email us at Bto5Guide@heedcoalition.org. Your input helps us keep this guide relevant, responsive, and community-informed.
Important Notice
The Birth to Five Resource Guide is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. By using this site, you acknowledge that you are accessing these materials voluntarily and at your own discretion.
The information shared here is not intended to replace professional medical, clinical, legal, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician, pediatrician, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding health, development, or medical conditions.
The HEED Coalition and The Basics Southcoast/RI make no representations or warranties regarding the completeness, accuracy, or applicability of the information provided and assume no liability for any decisions made or actions taken based on the use of this site.
Use of this site constitutes your acceptance of these terms.
