In the past few years, scientists have focused more research on disparities in health care—and in health care outcomes. For example, here on Eight Forty-Eight, we’ve heard that black women in Chicago are twice as likely to die from breast cancer as white women. And according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, blacks and Latinos are more likely than whites to report being in fair or poor health. When it comes to figuring out the reasons behind these statistics, scientists consider biological or genetic determinants. But they also pay attention to social factors. Today, many are gathering in Chicago to do the same for mental health. Chicago’s Adler School of Professional Psychology is hosting the conference—The Social Determinants of Mental Health—From Awareness to Action. Dr. Lynn Todman is the director of the Institute on Social Exclusion at the Adler School. She stopped by to explain what the category of social determinants might include.

Music Button:  Four Tet, “She Likes To Fight”, from the CD There Is Love In You, (Domino)