Living through brief periods without heat or electricity is a fact of life for most of us, perhaps as a result of a powerful weather system or a blown generator. But have you experienced or considered what it would be like to be without heat or electricity more chronically, due to homelessness, inadequate housing, or an unscrupulous landlord who neglects a property without concern for tenants? Even for the healthiest among us, a persistent utility concern would be incredibly challenging; for those with chronic illness, it can mean increased asthma attacks, severe pain associated with sickle cell disease, an inability to refrigerate needed medicine, and much more, including death.

Indeed, factors such as homelessness, dilapidated homes, slum landlords—and many others—have nothing to do with biology, genetics, personal choice, or access to healthcare services, but they have a great deal to do with individual and population health.