Introduction with Overview of Significance of the Community and Faith-Based Institutions in Transforming Social Determinants to Promote Health

This chapter is an overview of the book contents by the editors. The idea for this book originated during conversations about the role of social determinants of health (SDOH) in the alleviation of health disparities and health inequities in marginalized communities in the U.S and internationally. Additionally, in this chapter, the editors describe their passion for understanding and addressing SDOH conditions and the ways in which their enthusiasm for this topic has shaped the contents of this book. There is also a description of the diversity of authors and coauthors in this text that includes their insights into SDOH. Finally, this chapter concludes with the editors’ vision that this book will be the catalyst for change in the health outcomes in the communities they are so passionate about.