Key insights on multisector community partnerships from real-world efforts to address social determinants of health.

Purpose: To better understand and inform how multisector community partnerships (MCPs) perform meaningful work to prevent chronic disease and advance health equity by addressing social determinants of health (SDOH).

Methods: We conducted a rapid retrospective evaluation of SDOH initiatives implemented within the past three years by 42 established MCPs across the United States. The mixed methods evaluation included document review and coding of available outcomes data, virtual discussions, and Prevention Impacts Simulation Model (PRISM) analysis.

Results: All 42 MCPs built community capacity for addressing SDOH through new or strengthened data systems, leveraged resources, or engaged residents, for example. Most MCPs (N = 38, 90%) reported contributions to community changes that promote healthy living. More than half of the MCPs (N = 22) reported health outcomes data for their SDOH initiatives, including improved health behaviors and clinical outcomes. Based on reach data provided by 27 MCPs, PRISM analysis results suggest that sustained initiatives could save over $633 million in productivity and medical costs cumulatively through 20 years.

Conclusions: With sufficient technical assistance and funding resources, MCPs are a key component of the public health strategy to address SDOH.