What would health care look like if it were designed to optimize health – not just treat disease?
The George Family Whole Person Health Initiative
What would health care look like if it were designed to optimize health – not just treat disease?
At the Morrison Family College of Health, we believe reimagining care that works for all starts with a whole-person approach—one that sees people as more than their diagnoses and that recognizes physical, mental, social and spiritual health and well-being as essential and interconnected. This is different than focusing on treating injury and illness effectively; a whole person approach includes helping individuals, families, and community members prevent disease and attain optimal health.
Whole person health is also inseparable from health equity. Seeing people fully and in the context of their family, community, and culture helps us understand what is contributing to health inequities and ultimately address the policies, practices, and structural barriers that impact opportunities for health, access to resources, and quality of care.
Led by Melanie Ferris, Director of Health Equity & Strategic Partnerships, the George Family Whole Person Health Initiative launched in 2022 and continues to expand its impact.
Collaborating with industry leaders, current health professionals, and community leaders is essential to advancing health equity.
Throughout the year, we offer trainings and events to elevate strategies that advance health equity through whole-person care, including Health Equity Breakfasts, the Whole Person Health Summit, and continuing education.
The Whole Person Health Initiative is catalyzing our work across the college to create more opportunities for faculty scholarship, interprofessional collaboration, and student learning.
Our annual events bring together health professionals, community leaders, policy makers, and health care leaders interested in advancing health equity through whole person care.
Whole person care is used by health professionals to support the physical, mental, social, and spiritual dimensions of well-being. It is essential for providing effective care for everyone.
Learn more about how the Whole Person Health Initiative is advancing health equity and whole person care.
Community Partnerships Learning and Connection Across the College