Beyond the Clinic: Pathways for Integrating Non-Medical Drivers of Health

Rising costs and declining health outcomes are eroding the value of health care investments in the United States. To address these alarming trends, Texas, the federal government, and health care systems are investing in strategies that prioritize quality and outcomes over the volume of services delivered.

A key part of this shift is recognizing that health is shaped by not only clinical care but also by the conditions in which people live, learn, work and play. These non-medical drivers of health (NMDOH) — access to stable housing, reliable transportation, and healthy food — are now being measured and integrated into health care delivery as part of a broader effort to improve outcomes and reduce costs. As health systems expand screening and services for NMDOH, the policy environment is adapting. In 2025, both the Texas Legislature and the federal administration have advanced policies that directly influence how these drivers are identified and addressed in health care delivery.

At this half-day event, experts will explore the shifting policy landscape around NMDOH screening and services, highlighting opportunities and challenges in aligning health care practices with the broader factors that shape well-being.

Keynote speaker Dr. Mark McClellan, director of the Duke-Margolis Institute for Health Policy at Duke University, will share insights on the evolving landscape of health policy and value-based care.

This event is presented by the Baker Institute Center for Health Policy and hosted by the Texas Consortium for the Non-Medical Drivers of Health.

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