True patient care goes beyond an exam room, diagnoses, or treatment plan. Social drivers of health have a profound impact on a person’soverall wellbeing, and factors like access to nutritious food, stable housing, reliable transportation, and economic stability often determine how successful a treatment plan will be.
To support providers, community health workers, educators, and all individuals address social drivers of health, the Virginia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics launched a free resource called Bridge2ResourcesVA (B2RVA) to connect users with free and reduced cost services across the Commonwealth.
“This tool not only allows users to share resources across communities, but they can have confidence in knowing the resources in B2RVA are accurate and up to date,” said Dr. Kristina Powell, a pediatrician and program coordinator for B2RVA. “I think that’s the best part about it… it’s really hard to ask my patients and family members if they have needs and then not know where to send them.”
Connecting community members with local services
B2RVA is a free and easy-to-use online tool that connects individuals with more than 466,000 nonprofits and social care programs across the state. Users can use the tool to select categories and enter their zip code to locate the right services near them. Categories of services range from early childhood care resources and financial assistance options to addressing counseling and mental health needs, supporting food or housing insecurities, and more. It is available in 100 languages and offers anonymity to its users.
A screening tool for providers
B2RVA is also used by teachers, medical providers, social workers, and many other professions to help connect students, families and patients to the care they need.
The platform includes a social needs assessment tool called Safe Environment for Every Kid (S.E.E.K). With this screening tool, providers can identify social needs for families with young children and refer them to accurately updated resources specific to their needs. For providers like Dr. Powell, this tool has changed the way they address patients’ needs.
“I had a mom and a little girl who came in, and their SEEK screening showed they needed help with housing, food, and parental stress. Instead of a standard therapy referral, I had a deeper conversation than I normally would have and was able to help address their needs. We built a strong relationship, and I’ve continued seeing them for years,” said Dr. Powell. “Sometimes, it’s the parent who needs support.”
Providers can request access to the free SEEK screening tool by emailing Dr. Powell at kpowellvaaap@gmail.com.
Ensuring an accurate database
Since its inception in 2021, B2RVA has more than tripled its audience reach and continues to expand its network. With a team of curators working around the clock to check the status of programs and identify and add new programs, the database of services in Virginia remains as up to date as possible. Nonprofits also can request to be added if their community services are not already listed in B2RVA. The statewide project is funded by Virginia Mental Health Access Program (VMAP) and the Virginia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
“When we understand and respond to a patient’s social circumstances, we’re more likely to see improved outcomes, reduced hospital readmissions, and greater patient satisfaction. Incorporating SDOH screening and support into health care services ensures we’re caring for the whole person — not just the symptoms they present,” said Dr. Powell.
To learn more or use the online tool, visit https://bridge2resourcesva.org/