Society Connectedness and Health (SOCAH) Lab
Harnessing the power of social connection for better health around the world.
Welcome to Our Community
The Society, Connectedness, and Health (SOCAH) Lab at Yale School of Public Health is dedicated to advancing research and practice on the social and structural drivers of population health. We primarily focus on the mechanisms through which social connectedness and spirituality operate at the neighborhood and individual levels to influence mental health, substance use, HIV, and other health and development outcomes. The SOCAH Lab aims to develop actionable solutions that advance health equity by examining the intricate relationships between society and health. Our work contributes to the broader mission of the Social and Behavioral Sciences Department at Yale, which conducts innovative research on factors influencing all states of well-being, health and disease.
Our Approach
At SOCAH, we believe that understanding the dynamics of social relationships and spirituality is key to improving public health. We utilize multiple research methods such as geospatial analyses, analysis of complex probability surveys, longitudinal, multilevel, and structural equation modeling, qualitative interviews, and community-centered insights to ground our work. We incorporate a socioecological framework (e.g., focus on neighborhood environments and personal networks) to identify effective strategies that increase the likelihood of advancing a healthier and equitable society.
Our Work
With expertise spanning behavioral sciences, social epidemiology, public health entrepreneurship, and health equity, we are committed to driving positive change through collaboration and evidence-based insights. Expand to learn more:
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Partnering with individuals in academia, government, corporate faith-based institutions, and community and not-for-profit organizations to conduct impactful studies, implement, and evaluate interventions.
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Providing expert insights on how to leverage and modify the social drivers of health to advance health and socioeconomic equity.
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We offer capacity building training sessions, workshops, guest lectures, and seminars on research design, and the social determinants of health.
We deliver keynote lectures on the topics of social connectedness and spirituality influences on health in society and the workplace.
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Informing public health policies with evidence-based research and expert testimony.
"True health begins with social connection. By understanding the power of social bonds, we can create healthier communities for all."
Meet The Founder
Dr. Yusuf Ransome MPH, DrPH
Yusuf Ransome is an Associate Professor in the Social and Behavioral Science Department at Yale School of Public Health. He earned his doctorate in public health from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. He completed an Alonzo Smythe Yerby postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Dr. Ransome provides research, consulting services, and products to empower underserved communities domestically and globally to access holistic well-being and long-term prosperity.
His work is
“Guided by Spirit, Rooted in Lived Experience, and Supported by Science.”
The Purpose of Our Work
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Our full website will be live in February
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Our full website will be live in February
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Our full website will be live in February