The Whole Health Index
WHI Impact Spotlight: Virginia
This 2023 county snapshot map of Virginia members in a subset of our commercial health plan membership shows how physical, behavioral, and social factors affect the overall health of the people we serve.
Hover over or click a specific county on the map to display WHI information about that county. Higher numbers indicate better health.
The pop-up for each county shows the average WHI. Two counties can have a similar average WHI, but their physical (PD) and social (SD) drivers may be different, so these numbers are also included to give a better understanding of what is affecting health in that county. A lower physical driver assessment may indicate that more people in that county have illnesses or lack access to quality healthcare, while a lower social driver assessment may indicate more significant health-related social needs (whether for individuals or their community) such as greater transportation challenges.
For example, counties that are experiencing an increase in substance use disorders within their population may show a lower physical driver assessment even if their overall WHI is in the average range. Rural counties may show a lower social driver assessment due to transportation barriers or lack of access to nutritious food.
For privacy purposes, any areas or filters containing fewer than 30 members are not displayed and shown in white.
“I believe healthcare is local, and no other organization is better positioned than we are to make meaningful impact on the health of our communities. Our employer customers and members trust Anthem to work hand-in-hand with our local healthcare systems ensuring access to high-quality, affordable healthcare. Through our whole health approach, we’re bridging the clinical-social health gap by addressing critical issues such as financial stability, food insecurity, education, community support, and healthcare access. With our industry’s advancements and Anthem’s targeted initiative, we are tackling these challenges and improving health for all Virginians, one person at a time.”
Monica Schmude
President, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia
A Closer Look at Virginia
The WHI measures the overall health of a state’s residents. It can numerically validate information that may be only anecdotally known about social drivers of health, and as a result, identify actions that may be taken to improve health.
For example:
Leaning on our extensive network of local community partners, established through our Medicaid, Medicare and Commercial business across Virginia, we are well-positioned to support our members’ health more holistically.
*“PD” stands for physical drivers of health, and it encompasses the factors that typically go into measuring health, such as presence of illness, whether a person has access to and uses the healthcare system, care for chronic illnesses, and whether a person gets regularly tested for illnesses. The “SD” stands for the social drivers of health that have traditionally been left out of health measurement or given less importance, such as where someone lives, their employment situation, the ability to get nutritious food, and whether they have transportation. These factors make up the Whole Health Index and work together to gauge overall health.
WHI In Action: Community Partnerships
With the WHI helping to guide our understanding about what is most needed in a community, Anthem continues to listen to and partner with local organizations to better meet those needs. These are two examples of how Anthem has helped communities address health-related social needs in Virginia.
Teaching Kids How to Grow and Prepare Nutritious Food
Fit4Kids learning gardens, seedling distribution, and waste reduction programs infuse school-based education with a culture of wellness. In the 2022-2023 school year, more than 4,000 Richmond-area children gained access to fresh produce at 27 locations across the city. From hands-on gardening lessons to nutritious cooking classes, the program gave local children an up-close experience with growing and preparing food. Fit4Kids grew and distributed 10,000 seedlings to families, community gardens, and more, encouraging them to grow their own veggies with healthy recipe kits.
Creating a Healthier Mental Outlook for Children in Appalachia
Communities in Schools of Appalachian Highlands (CIS-AH) encourages students to stay in school and achieve in life. CIS-AH aims to reduce substance use and mental health disorders in students, families, and staff at 51 schools across Southwest Virginia.
CIS-AH's evidence-based programming includes prevention initiatives, awareness activities, and targeted interventions. Case management and family supports include social-emotional learning assessments for students, trauma-informed best practices for school support coordinators, and mental health and first aid training for school administrators, faculty members, parents, guardians, and community members.
How is the WHI Calculated?
The WHI uses more than 90 data points that fall into the broad categories of physical, behavioral, and social health. These data points range from financial strain, transportation accessibility, and housing instability to preventive dental exams, immunizations, and medication for mental health conditions.
The WHI includes not only members who live in the displayed state and receive health benefits coverage from an Anthem Blue Cross, but also members who live in the displayed state and who receive health benefits coverage through employers headquartered in other states in which Anthem plans are offered.