Recent Press

Recent Press

Community Navigation Program Aims to Reduce Health Disparities in both Urban and Rural Communities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 26, 2022

FLPPS has been awarded a Mother Cabrini Health Foundation grant for $250,000 from the Foundation’s Statewide 2021 Strategic Grants Program – Health Care Disparities.

The program, “Reducing Health Disparities through Community Navigation Support,” includes a collaboration with St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center, an urban community-based organization, and Human Services Development, an organization serving individuals in rural areas to address health-related needs of low-income and vulnerable individuals.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, vulnerable people have faced increased challenges with access to basic healthcare including vaccines, behavioral health supports, food, “non-mass” transportation, assistance with accessing rental assistance, and other needs. Getting connected to these services is imperative as health disparities have worsened during the pandemic. Community Health Navigators at St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center and Human Services Development will provide assistance and link individuals with healthcare, housing, and food resources, and offer other support as needed. The Navigators will also conduct outreach and education on the facts, myths, and benefits of the COVID-19vaccine and assist individuals in getting vaccinated. In the rural areas, the program will provide nutritious, locally grown fruits and vegetables to individuals who have health problems and where access to nutritious food is very challenging.

“FLPPS is proud to partner with these two organizations that have deep expertise in fostering trust in the community and addressing health disparities. This innovative program will provide vital support to address social determinants of health and ensure better outcomes for residents in the Finger Lakes region,” said Carol Tegas, Executive Director of FLPPS.

“Human Service Development is pleased to join forces with FLPPS and the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation to address health disparities in the greater Finger Lakes and Southern Tier regions of New YorkState. Our Community Health Navigators will reach out to community members to help them find services they need, educate them regardingCOVID and COVID vaccinations, and for people with medically related nutritional needs, provide access to fresh fruits and vegetables. This is truly a collaborative effort to address health disparities in the region,” explained Andrea Haradon, CEO of Human Services Development.

“At St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center, we’ve been providing comprehensive healthcare to uninsured and underinsured members of the Greater Rochester community for nearly three decades. Partnering with FLPPS makes sense, just as good food, safe housing and reliable transportation leads to better health. We are grateful for the partnership, supported by the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, and for the chance to continue this important work together,” said Joel Elliot, Development Director at St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center.

Press Contact

Katherine Rogala
585.239.9362
katherine_rogala@flpps.org

“I am excited to see ‘equity in action’ through this partnership with FLPPS, who recognizes the importance of lived experience and elevating the parent and patient voice to bring change across our health and behavioral health systems.”

Sara Taylor, Founder of BIPOC PEEEEEEK

“For decades Regional Health Reach has been a leader in the community in providing healthcare and support services to those experiencing homelessness. Through our traditional clinic, mobile medical unit, and presence at shelters, our Healthcare for the Homeless program has touched thousands of lives. Health Reach is excited to partner with Finger Lakes Performing Provider System and MC Collaborative to expand our reach to unsheltered individuals, meeting them where they are, to provide the care they need.”

William E. Belecz, Executive Director of Regional Health Reach

“The Finger Lakes IPA, a partnership of the region’s community health centers, six behavioral health organizations, and the S2AY Rural Health Network, is very excited to be a part of this important initiative by FLPPS to support the critical need for access to developmental screenings for young children in our rural communities. This program will give us the ability to provide access to services that are often not available due to geographic and other barriers to care experienced by our patients.”

Mary Zelazny, Chair of Finger Lakes IPA and CEO of Finger Lakes Community Health

“The key to the success of this menu of services is our ability to have a two-way dialogue with doctors and other medical professionals about both health and social support needs at home. We’ve proven this model can improve patient outcomes and reduce unnecessary ED visits and hospitalizations, and that’s a win for everyone. It also reduces both physician and patient/family caregiver frustrations.”

Ann Marie Cook, President and CEO of Lifespan

“By expanding our Person In Crisis teams to include certified peer specialists, we will be able to assist even more of our residents in need in a humane and compassionate manner. In addition, by assisting residents in this new way, we are expecting that there will be a reduced number of people calling the PIC team because they are getting connected to the services they need.”

Former City of Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren