Abstract
Providing palliative care is especially challenging in our innercity areas. Social determinants of health and living conditions impact access by residents to healthcare, including how, where, and when care is received. Palliative social workers in innercity settings are sensitive to recognizing cultural beliefs, spiritual supports, the impact of racism and classism, and the need for social justice. It is recommended that palliative social workers engage more fully in mezzo and macrolevel practices, within and across healthcare institutions and innercity organizations, at the grassroots level as part of a wise overall strategy to advocate for sustainable changes that improve access to quality healthcare. It is especially important to address unmet needs that undermine the health of underserved populations, such as residents without housing or contending with substance abuse. These efforts may include making telehealth more accessible and affordable for use in innercity community settings. A variety of innovative organizational and community programs and collaborations are promising.