Our Guiding Principles
The SNOAC develops its systems-level approach on a foundation of health equity, community, data, evaluation, social determinants of health, and accountability.
Health Equity
The SNOAC is committed to promoting health equity in our community to end overdose deaths. We affirm that our community cannot end overdose deaths without acknowledging and addressing the health inequities and social determinants of health as they present in Southern Nevada.
THE SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH
Social determinants of health refer to “nonmedical factors such as employment, income, housing, transportation, child care, education, discrimination, and the quality of the places where people live, work, learn, and play, which influence health.” Social determinants include:
Housing access, affordability, and quality all have a significant impact on health. Exposure to poor housing conditions such as lead pipes or paint, water leaks, mold, dust mites, pest infestation, and carcinogenic air pollutants, and poor structural in-home features can result in an increased risk for physical injuries and diseases
Housing
Neighborhood conditions encompasses factors such as crime rates, availability of safe parks, access to healthy food options, neighborhood appearance, and the quality and safety of streets and sidewalks. All of these factors influence the types of healthy behaviors individuals have the ability to engage in within their own communities
Neighborhood Conditions
Racism and discrimination result in U.S. minorities’ limited access to economic and social resources that have a substantial infuence on their health outcomes. Additionally, racism results in minorities’ increased exposure to health-related risk factors, unhealthy stress levels, and feelings of powerlessness that greatly impact the quality of their physical and mental health.
Racism and Discrimination
Income influences where people live, their access to social and health resources, access to adequate and timely health care services, and their ability to afford to participate in healthy behaviors
Income
Education level is the strongest indicator of lifelong health. Education impacts the type of employment and income potential, which then impacts the level of financial stress and health risk factors. Additionally, educational attainment is associated with health literacy, which impacts a person’s ability to navigate the health care system, use preventive health services, and manage chronic conditions
Education
Source: Advancing Health Equity, American Public Health Association. https://www.apha.org/-/media/Files/PDF/factsheets/Advancing_Health_Equity.ashx
Data
SNOAC partners collect and share up to date data and information about what they are seeing in the Southern Nevada. From there our community partners apply evidence-based approaches to find solutions.
Community
SNOAC’s strength lies in our diverse community of partners and activists committed to preventing substance misuse and overdose deaths in Southern Nevada. We recognize that together through the sharing of information, collaboration on programs and events, and diverse perspectives on the issue we have a chance to build a safer community.
Evaluation
Complex issues demand new and innovative approaches. However, approaches to substance misuse and overdose prevention need to be evaluated for effectiveness in Southern Nevada. SNOAC is committed to evaluating programs implemented in our community to ensure it is making a positive difference.
Accountability
SNOAC is committed to accountability and transparency of programming around the valley. The general meetings allow our community to learn about programs and legislation, ask questions, and learn more about what is happening to stay informed of what is happening at a statewide and local level.
