Explain how various types of social capital can improve health outcomes across the SEM and why.

The Community

Social support is the perception that individuals within the social network are cared for and have assistance from other individuals. Within a social network there are several supportive resources to help address a communal or individual need.

Consider for example the availability of tangible resources such as HIV/AIDS treatment centers in communities, informational supports, and social relationships developed from friends, neighbors or community businesses.

Since social support is proven to optimize health, how might social isolation contribute to health disparities in populations? In those populations with diminished social support networks, social exclusion can help explain health disparities due to lack of access to resources within communities, whether they be tangible or intangible (Richmond, 2009).

For this Discussion, select one population and consider how social support or social networks can impact health disparities within this population.

Post by Day 3 a description of the population you selected. Explain how social support might contribute to positive health outcomes in this population. Then, explain how social exclusion in this population might contribute to health disparities and why. Be specific and provide examples.

Remember to begin interaction with your colleagues in the Discussion no later than Day 5 and continue engaging through Day 7 by suggesting how alternative social support systems impact planning health interventions for a health disparity described by your colleagues. Then explain how various types of social capital can improve health outcomes across the SEM and why.