Intersection of Health & Hunger
Dr. Seth Sullivan serves as the Brazos County Alternate Health Authority. He is married to Allison, a Texas A&M graduate of class of 2000. They have five children and have lived in the Brazos Valley since 2011.
Hunger costs our nation $167.5 billion a year. There are strong associations between food insecurity and medical consequences. For low income patients with diabetes, the risk of hospitalization increases 27% during the last week of the month vs. the first week of the month.
Poverty and food insecurity have serious consequences for health – today and tomorrow. Trusted professionals, like medical providers, can play a critical role in connecting eligible, low income patients with food and nutrition services and other benefits that can help move them towards food security and possible reduction in chronic illnesses such as diabetes.
BVFB’s Screen & Intervene Program trains medical professionals to identify patients who may be struggling with hunger through a two-question screening as part of their normal intake process.
If a patient screens positive, they are offered a 30-lb food box (fresh produce and extra lean meat, if available through that partner) and given referrals to available resources in the community.
$47 = 1 food box (fresh produce and extra lean meat, if available at through that partner) and connections to community resources