It is increasingly critical to understand the clear associations between social determinants and poor health outcomes. Factors such as food insecurity, lack of safe and affordable housing, inadequate education, lack of access to transportation, and social isolation have a significant impact on individual health and the collective health of our nation. The cost to the health care sector, businesses and communities is in the billions. The human toll is incalculable.
 
The Root Cause Coalition, a non-profit, member-driven organization established to achieve health equity through cross-sector collaboration, is proud to host the Third Annual Summit on the Social Determinants of Health on October 7-9, 2018 in New Orleans. Our robust, three-day agenda will bring together representatives from health care, the non-profit sector, the faith community, researchers, clinicians, government leaders, educators and businesses to share best practices, connect with local communities and engage in a crucial discussion of how to best address the social determinants of health.

The Root Cause Coalition is committed to helping further the education of future generations of healthcare leaders by providing current students with full scholarships to attend the National Summit on the Social Determinants of Health. Up to 30 scholarships will be awarded for the 2018 National Summit and cover all registration fees, three nights of lodging at the Sheraton New Orleans, and reimbursement of transportation costs up to $500 for each student. Scholarships will be awarded to a maximum of two students per institution. The Root Cause Coalition believes that more can be achieved when we break down silos and work across sectors to achieve health equity. We look forward to adding students’ unique perspective to the wide range of viewpoints represented at our Summit.

Timeline
• DEADLINE FOR ALL MATERIALS: August 31, 2018 at 11:59PM Pacific Standard Time
• Applicants will be notified by September 7th, 2018

Eligibility:
• Currently a medical resident, a graduate or undergraduate student pursuing a degree, coursework or career in a field related to health equity or the social determinants of health
• Priority will be given to students in the fields of: Medicine, Nursing, Social Work, Public Health and Health Policy
• Has not attended the National Summit previously
• Currently lives in the United States

Application:
• Contact, education and demographic information
• Two short answers (250 words or less)
            1. Why are you interested in learning more about the social determinants of health and health equity?
            2. How will attending TRCC's National Summit on the Social Determinants of Health help further your academic interests or your career aspirations?
• Statement of support/approval from student’s primary academic dean, professor or advisor (Additional Google Form to be completed by supporter. Link: https://goo.gl/forms/LIqFmBtAmHae35Sx1)
           o Provide contact info about the advisor in this part of the application


If you have any questions about The Root Cause Coalition’s National Summit Student Scholarship Program, please contact us at contact@rootcausecoalition.org or 202-266-2635.