The Texas Pharmacy Association (TPA) in collaboration with Episcopal Health Foundation conducted a statewide survey of pharmacists to better understand how pharmacists can serve as stronger partners in addressing non-medical drivers of health. These factors—often referred to as social determinants of health (SDOH)—are the non-medical, environmental, and social conditions in which people are born, live, learn, work, worship, and age. They significantly influence overall health outcomes, functioning, and quality of life.

Non-medical drivers of health include economic stability, education, housing, transportation, food security, and social support. When unmet, these factors can create or exacerbate disparities in health outcomes. Episcopal Health Foundation has published substantial research on this topic and has had impact on Texas patient care.

Pharmacists are among the most accessible health care professionals and often see patients more frequently than any other provider. As a result, they are uniquely positioned to understand not only a patient’s medication needs, but also the broader circumstances affecting their health. In many communities—particularly in rural areas of Texas where access to primary care may be limited—pharmacists and pharmacy staff are trusted, consistent points of contact.

Importantly, pharmacy education and postgraduate training programs have increasingly emphasized the identification of non-medical drivers of health and the use of community-based resources to address them. Today’s pharmacists are well trained to recognize these issues, yet systemic barriers often limit their ability to act.