HCSN-Health Communication & Social Needs

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT – Health Communication and Social Needs Core The primary goal of the Health Communication and Social Needs Core (HCSN) of the Washington University Center for Diabetes Translation Research (WU-CDTR) is to provide expertise in health communication, health literacy, and social needs methodology to support diabetes translation research. To promote diabetes health, the HCSN will assist WU-CDTR investigators in advancing the comprehension, use, and relevance of diabetes prevention information by all populations; addressing the complexities of how social needs impact diabetes outcomes; and facilitating strategic community partnerships with non-health care and social service agencies to further integrate solutions into diabetes translation research. The Core refers to determinants of health as system and policy influences on health and recognizes the need for supplementing efforts with acute safety net services such as food, housing, and transportation that can interfere with diabetes management efforts. The HCSN Core focuses on achieving diabetes health by enhancing the relevance and impact of health information and incorporating new approaches for addressing diabetes prevention and management.