Winter warmth, lasting change through physician advocacy

Healthcare providers have an ethical responsibility that includes public advocacy to address social influencers of health (SIOH). The Northwestern Department of Medicine (DOM) Winter Coat Drive is an example of physician-led advocacy aimed at mitigating SIOH that contribute to health disparities. Started in 2023, the DOM Winter Coat Drive involves interdisciplinary teams (physicians, nurses, community health workers, administrators) across multiple hospital departments to provide winter clothing to people experiencing housing and financial instability in the Chicago region. In 2024, efforts were expanded to include seven regional hospitals, nine departments, and ten community organizations - yielding over 1000 coats being donated. In addition, health screenings were paired with coat distributions as a means to promote preventative care and community engagement. This initiative illustrates how structured, community-based interventions grounded in advocacy can strengthen healthcare provider participation in addressing SIOH, promote health equity, and enhance trust between healthcare institutions and marginalized communities.