In a new commentary published by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), Nancy O. Andrews, President and CEO of the Low Income Investment Fund, explores the cost of transforming the health and well-being of vulnerable children and families at the community level. Using an estimate of $100 billion annually, Ms. Andrews argues that targeted public investments in affordable housing and early education can improve health and poverty alleviation outcomes for entire communities while also attracting additional private capital. Building on previous studies that show many factors beyond medical care affect people’s health, the piece offers a framework on providing full coverage for low income families in the critical areas of housing and early education.
Ms. Andrews commentary is part of the Institute of Medicine’s Roundtable on Population Health Improvement, which was established to bring together different sectors in a dialogue about what is needed to improve population health.