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Excerpt: “Social determinants of health is an abstract term, but for millions of Americans, it is a very tangible, frightening challenge: How can someone manage diabetes if they are constantly worrying about how they’re going to afford their meals each week? How can a mother with an asthmatic son really improve his health if it’s their living environment that’s driving his condition? This can feel like a frustrating, almost fruitless position for a healthcare provider, who understands what is driving the health conditions they’re trying to treat, who wants to help, but can’t simply write a prescription for healthy meals, a new home, or clean air.”
As Prepared for Delivery
Thank you for that introduction, Sen. Hatch. Good afternoon, everyone, and thank you for having me here today.
It’s an honor to join all of you for this gathering, and it is an honor to be invited here by Sen. Hatch and the Hatch Foundation. Sen. Hatch has been a presence throughout my career in Washington and in healthcare. Each of the three times I have appeared before the Senate to be confirmed for jobs at HHS, he has introduced me before the Senate Finance Committee, and in all of my time at HHS, he has been a wise counsel and a thoughtful counterpart.