On February 28, 2017, the Asset Funders Network released a new brief on the relationship between wealth and health, The Health and Wealth Connection: Opportunities for Investment Across the Life Course, with authors Jason Q. Purnell, PhD, MPH and Anjum Hajat, PhD, MPH. This release demonstrates that funders have an opportunity to bridge interests and cross silos to make stronger connections between wealth building, economic security, and prevention and health outcomes.
People’s relationship with money impacts their health. Far beyond health care access and affordability, wealth and numerous social factors related to where people live, work, and play impacts a person’s health. Data indicates assets, income, and health are inexorably linked. On the one hand, good health is associated with higher wealth and income, better employment and education. On the other hand, we know that adults with more financial resources have better health and live longer lives. Throughout one’s course of life, the challenges of health and wealth are connected — but why aren’t the solutions?
A webinar conducted by the authors is now available. Presenters Purnell and Hajat explore how health and wealth are connected and discuss how health impacts are more significant for low-income, vulnerable populations, particularly people of color. They go on to share compelling evidence for investment in strategies and policies that consider both the physical well-being and economic stability of individuals, families, and communities.