Editor’s Note: This is the second in a five-part series highlighting the Nantahala Health Foundation’s mission to eliminate barriers to health for underserved people in Far Western Carolina North.
An individual’s economic stability constitutes an essential social factor in their health. Furthermore, this stability is closely linked to the well-being and vitality of communities.
“The reality is that this health factor extends beyond financial stability; this encompasses the availability of employment opportunities, income levels and access to essential resources,” said Lori Bailey, executive director of the Nantahala Health Foundation, which partnered with the Duke Energy Foundation in 2022 to fund an economic development refresh project that benefited 11 Dillsboro businesses.
“The profound influence of economic stability on health speaks to the complex relationship between socioeconomic conditions and general well-being,” she said.
Economic stability has a significant impact on living conditions. Affordable housing and stable income are essential to ensuring a safe environment that protects against exposure to health risks, infectious diseases, and unsafe living conditions. A lack of economic stability can lead to substandard housing and crowded living conditions, both of which contribute to physical and mental health problems.
Additionally, economic stability directly affects an individual’s ability to access quality health services, a topic that will be discussed in more detail in part four of this series, Bailey said. Adequate income and insurance coverage enable timely medical care, preventive measures and necessary treatments, thereby reducing the risk of chronic diseases and complications. People facing financial constraints are more likely to delay or forgo medical care, which can lead to worsened health conditions and increased health care costs in the long term.
“Additionally, the stress associated with financial instability can harm health. Chronic stress resulting from economic insecurity can trigger physiological responses that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, weaken the immune system and exacerbate mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression,” she said. “Financial worries can dominate an individual’s thoughts, distracting their attention from self-care and healthy lifestyle choices.”
Additionally, economic stability influences education level and employment opportunities. Higher income levels provide access to quality education, which in turn provides individuals with better employment prospects and better skills for personal development, Bailey continued. Stable employment not only provides a source of income, but also promotes a sense of purpose and social connections, thereby positively influencing mental health.
The impact of economic stability also extends to community health. Vibrant local economies with adequate employment opportunities help reduce crime rates and increase social cohesion, creating supportive environments for healthy lifestyles and general well-being, she said.
“Economic stability is undeniably a key social driver of health, having profound effects on an individual’s ability to access health care, live in safe environments, manage stress, and make healthy choices” , Bailey said. “Recognition of the complex relationship between economic stability and health highlights the importance of comprehensive policies and strategies that address income inequality, affordable housing and employment opportunities. By fostering economic security, societies can improve the health and well-being of their citizens, thereby fostering a more equitable and prosperous future.
