Date of Award
5-2025
Document Type
Project
Degree Name
Master of Public Health
Department
Health Science and Human Ecology
First Reader/Committee Chair
Olney Amber
Abstract
San Bernardino and Riverside counties face significant challenges in addressing the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) for vulnerable populations, including housing instability, healthcare access, and food insecurity. This project examined the role of Medical-Legal Partnerships (MLPs) in providing services to vulnerable populations. Through a systematic review, the study explored the current state of MLPs and their effectiveness in addressing SDOH to reduce health disparities. The other purpose is to assist Agape Legal Service, Inc. (AGAPE), a non-profit organization, in completing their strategic plan, which aims to address the legal needs of vulnerable populations within the Inland Empire. The systematic review examined the role of MLPs in addressing SDOH to reduce health disparities for vulnerable populations. The key findings reveal that MLPs improve health outcomes by addressing legal issues that impact health, such as eviction prevention and healthcare accessibility, funding through Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement, philanthropic contributions, and other critical means. The study concludes that MLPs are essential for addressing the SDOH to reduce health disparities among vulnerable populations across the Inland Empire and provide foundational components for AGAPE’s strategic plan.
Recommended Citation
Kinnally, Sabrina C., "THE ROLE OF MEDICAL-LEGAL PARTNERSHIPS ON SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH FOR VULNERABLE POPULATIONS IN THE INLAND EMPIRE" (2025). Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations. 2123.
https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd/2123
Included in
Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, Contracts Commons, Health Services Research Commons, Nonprofit Studies Commons, Organization Development Commons, Other Public Health Commons
