HelpSteps

HelpSteps is an online assessment and referral system for families’ and individuals’ social determinants of health. It began as a research project in 2003 and became a fully implemented referral system in 2007. The online system assesses needs in 13 broad social domains and provides access to resources related to over 100 social problems that affect lower socioeconomic families, including services related to food insecurity, housing, and income resources. The system is used by a variety of social services in the Boston area, including the Boston Public Health Commission, The Mayor’s Health Line, and medical and free clinics throughout the area. HelpSteps findings include: 82 percent of families in urban clinics experience at least one type of social problem in a given year; families are interested in assessment referrals; 40 percent of individuals who selected referrals followed up with one of their selections; 52 percent said their problem had either completely or mostly resolved; and 80 percent stated they would like to use the online tool as part of an annual assessment. HelpSteps receives funding from the Boston Children’s Hospital, the Boston Public Health Commission, and small grants. To read more about this innovative program, see this brief summary [link].