Title: Creating a Community Game to Explore Social Determinants of Health 

Relevance: 
 Social determinants—like housing, education, income, and access to healthcare—play a major role in shaping a person’s health. Yet, these factors are often overlooked or misunderstood by the public. In Kentucky, where health disparities are among the highest in the nation, it's critical to raise awareness in accessible, engaging, and relevant ways. For instance, 16.5% of Kentuckians live below the federal poverty line—higher than the national average of 12.8%—and in rural Appalachian regions, rates exceed 33%. To address this, a new interactive game is being developed to help community members, students, and employees better understand how these social and environmental factors impact their individual, family, and community health. 

Response: 
 Recognizing the power of experiential learning, a cross-disciplinary team of faculty from the University of Kentucky College of Public Health and Eastern Kentucky University’s Public Health Program partnered to design a game modeled after familiar family-style board games. Players move through life scenarios—such as job changes, school decisions, natural disasters, medical events, and housing challenges—while navigating life outcomes influenced by social determinants. The game includes real-world examples tied to Kentucky communities and engaging storytelling elements reflecting diverse experiences. Expansion packs are being developed to tailor gameplay to different audiences, including youth, older adults, rural residents, and employee wellness programs. 

Results: 
 The game is currently in prototype development. The project has strengthened collaboration between public health educators and Extension agents, paving the way for future co-created educational tools that connect health science with community action. 

Public Value Statement: 
 By transforming complex health topics into an engaging and relatable experience, this game helps Kentuckians see how social and environmental factors influence well-being, and empowers them to become advocates for healthier communities.